〈◊〉 Clitie promis'd she would not fail to 〈◊〉 him again as soon as she could get 〈◊〉 from her Father in the mean time 〈◊〉 desired him to resolve whither he 〈◊〉 go that so they might take 〈◊〉 of informing each other how matters 〈◊〉 and that she wou'd find some way 〈◊〉 other for their easie and secret Correspondence by Letters Darbelle sighing return'd her this Answer I am too much your Slave not to obey you in every thing altho' I run the hazard of my life in the Performance And here I implore Heaven's Aid to give one power to bear my Sufferings At 〈◊〉 words both parted Clitie to visit her Father who she found in a more pleasant Humour than what she left him My dearest Child says he looking on her the poor Darbelle by good fortune 〈◊〉 evited Death I have not found him 〈◊〉 Lyeidas's House the King can blame none but those who have given him 〈◊〉 Advice I am so well satisfied that 〈◊〉 met not with him that I cannot put 〈◊〉 a Disguise to the contrary and seem troubled especially since I am so well assured of my due performing all 〈◊〉 Commands I receiv'd from his Majesties for searching that House where they suppos'd he had conceal'd himself Clitie put on such an indifference during her Father's Relation that the most nice Observer cou'd have suspected her to have been a Party concern'd in the Business Soon after her Father took Coach to get and acquaint the King of his Proceedings and Clitie flew to visit her Darbelle carrying with her a small Casket of Pearls and Diamonds for him Darbelle says she our Affairs are now in an exceeding good Posture and seeing you are resolv'd to follow my advice I hope the Heavens will be pleased some time or other to compleat our Happiness lose no moment but quickly save your self here I present you with all my richest Jewels which are of value enough to assist you in whatsoever you shall stand in need of and I make it my request you would not refuse them for 〈◊〉 know it is very inconvenient for you to seek for others of your own and so great a Journey cannot but be expensive Darbelle was amaz'd at her Bounty and after having return'd her a thousand 〈◊〉 very obligingly Clitie says he there is no need of any thing more than your Commands to make me leave this place and to obey you and nothing but the Assurance of your Love and Fidelity which can support my Life when I am absent from your fair Eyes I love you continues he with too ardent a Passion to give you any longer these Apprehensions of fear which for your sake make not so deep impressions on your Heart as they do on mine And since you are pleas'd so to order me I will be gone by break of day as for my Life it will be in no danger the way that I intend to take for I have a Gentleman that has been brought up from his Childhood with me and one that has tied himself so to me that he is resolv'd to share in all my Fortunes he is endued with an infinite Wit and discreet Conduct by whose means I shall be able to put on what Disguise I 〈◊〉 till I shall arrive at some place where I shall have no longer cause to fear It is some time since says he that I commanded him to be in a readiness to execute what orders I shou'd give him and to be always prepar'd to follow me I will give him Instructions to attend me at St. Anthony's Gate to marrow by the break of day nor will I take any other with me till I shall come to the next great City through which I am to pass where I will furnish my self with other Servants to wait on me who neither knowing my true Name Quality nor my Business are not liable to betray me as apparently I have been already by some of my People tho' I know not whom to accuse As for Money most generous Clitie says he I have sufficient to serve me in my Journey I shall not put my self to unnecessary Expences the Passion that possesses my Heart will inspire me with nothing but your Idea and force me to seek out a Solitude where I may live free from all the noise of Pleasure or Disturbance of Delight I intend for Italy where I will never rest 〈◊〉 any place but such whose Shades 〈◊〉 melancholy Silence shall be agreeable to my Humour and to whom alone I 〈◊〉 make my Moans and lament your 〈◊〉 Absence sacrifice all to the Griefs and Sorrows I suffer for you After this manner my heavenly Mistress says he will I employ my Hour and spend my Days while I am banish'd from your 〈◊〉 in the interim I will sollicite all my Friends and Relations by my Letters to acquaint his Majesty of my Innocency and give him a true Account of all my Proceedings and if possible oblige him once more to give me free liberty of serving him and the inestimable Happiness of seeing you again O Heavens added he with Tears in his Eyes behold my incomparable Clitie what Resolutions I have taken to obey you yet I doubt whatever Endeavours I shall make it will not be in my power to live after I have parted with you Clitie hearkned to all his Discourse and dissolving in Tears conjur'd him again to accept of her Jewels but he still refus'd them and only took an enamell'd Picture of hers which was in a Box made of an intire Emerauld and set about with Diamonds of an inestimable Price They agreed together to give a reciprocal Account of all the very least Action 〈◊〉 their lives and that when Clitie writ to him she shou'd direct her Letters as he wou'd appoint her in his and that he would direct his to Mariana who would deliver them to Clitie he had sent a 〈◊〉 to his Gentleman whose Name was La Rock to have Horses in readiness in such a place as he had appointed him and had received an Answer that he would not 〈◊〉 to be there those who brought it 〈◊〉 knowing the Design had orders to attend him at the Corner of a Street before the dawning of the day All things being thus order'd Clitie and Darbelle passed the rest of the Night in discoursing about what they had to do both as to their Commerce by Letters as well as the means to accommodate their Affairs they made again a thousand Protestations of Love to each other that it should last till Death Sighs and Tears were their faithful Witnesses and in them never did two Lovers give better Testimonies nor did Darbelle fail in the least point of Respect to her It is true that at that moment wherein they were to part having for some time look'd upon each other without speaking the least Syllable but with Eyes 〈◊〉 most eloquent in Love and Tears and Sighs a thousand times more eloquent 〈◊〉 Words Clitie pressing the Hand of 〈◊〉 disconsolate
that it was almost impossible to see her and not to love Thus she spent five or six Months and none e're knew the Secrets of her Heart or the Resolution she had taken to espouse none but Darbelle she was daily importun'd and it is no easie matter to conceive the Trouble she was put to in defending her self from the Solicitations of that number that ador'd her There was not any tho' never so perfect in whom she found not some defect which she still us'd for excuses to her Father she had no sooner clear'd her self of all these Lovers but Fortune resolving still to persecute her rais'd up one whose Courtship and Love gave her much trouble It was the Prince Lysidor he was indeed but a Stranger yet ally'd to the Court of France and preferr'd to noblest and chiefest Employments of the Kingdom he was handsome to a Miracle and by all look'd upon and the most gallant and accomplish'd Person of the Court He lov'd her to that excess that all fear'd it would have cost him no less than his Life his Passion was made publick to all and none that ever saw him but had matter of Discourse either concerning his Love or his Mistress the violence of his Passion and his assiduous Addresses to her freed her from all other Pretenders nor did he miss a day in which he saw her not He made his Court to her and had gain'd her Father's Consent but by no means cou'd obtain the Daughter's and all the Power of the Court and Kingdom strove in vain to bring it about she withstood all and it may be truly said that never any was more constant and faithfull than this fair One was to what she had promis'd Darbelle She was recompenc'd with the most endearing tender Letters that ever Love indited which almost every day she received from him nor did she omit to answer them letting him know the very least thing that passed And if the Absence of these two Lovers gave them unexpressible Sorrows yet the daily Commerce by Letters did not a little ease their Sufferings That which most tormented Clitie was the extraordinary Passion that her Beauty had inspir'd the Heart of Prince Lysidor withal which raged so in him and became so violent that some fear'd it might raise in him Thoughts of stealing her away He was so extraordinary handsome young liberal gallant and magnificent in all things that it may be said nothing cou'd have rais'd him any Obstacle in the Heart of Clitie but that Darbelle had got possession of the place and without doubt had she been disinterested none had sooner been preferr'd amongst her whole croud of Adorers than this Prince but there needed no greater Bar to his happiness than Darbelle's Love. He cou'd gain nothing on her Heart more than an Esteem for him which made her much concern'd at his Sufferings she told him often and conjur'd him to think on her no more and to give her Father no further Trouble about their Marriage that it was utterly impossible for her to alter her Destiny and that her Father was to her instead of the best Husband in the World. These Repulses highly afflicted the Prince but they wrought not their design'd Effect and were no hindrance to him to love her more tenderly and he hoped in time her cruel Resolution might be chang'd His Merit and the Gold which he was even profusely lavish of in every thing that might advance his Love had gain'd the Heart and Friendship of Mariana he oblig'd her by many Presents and left no means unassay'd to gain her Favour for he was not ignorant she was the only person in the World to whom her Mistress intrusted her Secrets and made her Confident he knew they were never asunder whether walking abroad to take the Air visiting or at home they were often discoursing together and Clitie and Mariana seem'd never to be weary of each others Company The particular kindness that Clitie had for her was the reason which oblig'd the Prince to make her of his Friends he imagin'd he should search into the Heart of her Mistress by gaining that of Mariana he spared neither Cost nor Presents to engage her to his Interests Mariana was insensibly won to it she hearkned to his daily amorous Complaints and promis'd to do him all the Service she was able and if possible to render him one day happy with Clitie Having gain'd Mariana he doubted not the success of his Amours and assumed new hopes of one day overcoming Clitie's Cruelty he acosted her with more Courage and better Assurance than ever Mariana knew that Clitie had infinite Wit and that none in the World had a more apprehensive and piercing Judgment than she took all possible care to conceal the Correspondence she held with the Prince and gave him Instructions to that purpose she would often before Clitie seem to be displeas'd at him that she might not be suspected of his Party In the mean time Clitie who conceal'd nothing from Mariana discover'd to her the Sentiments she had concerning the Prince and often told her That his Misfortunes made her pity him and that she was much troubl'd he should still preserve a Love for one who cou'd never make him any return nor have any more than an Esteem for him so long as Darbelle prov'd constant Mariana was not wanting to extol the Worth of the Prince and put her in mind of all he had done for her she recounted to her all his Languishings and all the Sighs her Absence gave him when he came to visit her and found her not at home and the Torrent of Tears that flow'd from his Eyes when he was forc'd to complain of her Cruelty One day as Clitie seem'd more than ordinary concern'd for the Affliction of Lysidor Mariana made an Effort to batter her Constancy saying seriously Madam 〈◊〉 believe you have much a-do to preserve your Heart intirely for Darbelle and to defend it against the daily Assaults of the love of the Prince Oh! if you had 〈◊〉 heard the Complaints he made two days since thinking none had been near him in a close Arbour in your Garden and had you seen as I did the Transports that his Passion hurried him to I am confident you could not but have pitied him For my part goes she on who have less reason to love him than you especially since I have promised Darbelle never to forsake his Interest and daily to put you in mind of him I swear to you that being witness to the Despair of this poor Prince tho' he saw me not I had not the power to avoid shedding Tears as fast as he for certainly said she to Clitie it is impossible for him to live in the Tortures he indures for you and that a Heart so strongly attack'd with so many Afflictions as his is cannot any longer resist his Fate She spoke these things to the Advantage of the Prince with such Artifice and Cunning that Clitie whose
Heart was not made of Adamant was capable enough of the tender Impression of Love and cou'd no longer defend it self from pitying this unfortunate whom she had made so miserable I am even in despair answers Clitie since this is arrived to this pitch of Folly that he must either marry me or die for if I have seem'd more cruel to him than to many whom I esteem'd less it was only to endeavour to free him of the unhappy Passion he has for me I am not altogether insensible and I acknowledge I feel a certain Compassion for him when I behold such tender and true Marks of his Love as he daily gives me But you know Mariana says she that nothing can dispossess Darbelle of my Heart my Duty and Inclination plead wholly for him and it is impossible for me ever to alter for which reasons I am resolv'd to forbid the Prince ever to see me again Ah Madam answers Mariana do not drive him to this cruel Extremity all the World knows that he has endeavour'd unsuccessfully all means possible to cease loving you but since 't is not to be effected envy him not the Consolation of dying in your sight As Clitie and Mariana were thus discoursing the Prince who had before been informed of the Conversation that should be made enter'd he appear'd 〈◊〉 dejected and sad that in short Clitie was surpriz'd and Mariana seem'd to be so much concern'd at it that she could 〈◊〉 forbear pronouncing some words that made known her Astonishment The Prince who seeing none present with Clitie but Mariana told her with Tears in his Eyes Alas thou cruel 〈◊〉 One make an end at once both of my Grief and Life that I may no longer importune you and since it is my misfortune to persecute you thus to no purpose let me die to make an expiation for all the Torment I have given you Alas pursues he your Eyes most Divine Clitie are a thousand times more beautiful than the Morning but I cannot render them either delightful or soft to me what then shou'd I do with life It is much better for me to expire at your Feet than daily to be the Object of your Anger He utter'd these words with a languishing sadness which became him so well they wou'd have mov'd compassion in the most obdurate Heart when a Death-like paleness cover'd all his Face his Strength began to fail him and he cou'd no longer keep himself from falling on the Couch whereon Clitie sate just like a man expiring Mariana presently skreek'd out O good Gods he is gone he is dead dear Madam says she say some obliging thing to him to recover him if possible Clitie who is certainly the most excellent of her Sex stood not now to consult either the Love she bore Darbelle or the Cruelty she had design'd to shew the Prince she regarded nothing at present but the lamentable Condition in which he was and believing that unfeignedly he wou'd die if she gave him not some Relief Prince says she if it yet lies in your Power have more regard to a life so valuable as yours and give not up your self as you do to an unparallel'd despair for be assur'd I have not the least unkindness for you and if I have not answer'd your Love in all Respects it is because the Heavens have other ways decreed it I am so far from seeking your Death that I wish nothing more than that you may live which by all the power you say I have over you charge you to obey After these words which gave a little Comfort to him he began to lift himself up The Prince being come to himself again wou'd have return'd her 〈◊〉 for what she had said to him but Clitie reflecting on what her Compassion 〈◊〉 made her utter fearing it would but augment his Passion went out of the Room angry with her self leaving the Prince with Mariana who pretended to stay while with him to prevent any extravagant thing his Despair might cause him do which might be more troublesome Clitie tho her Design was only to discourse with him and to make a favourable Construction of her last obliging words to the Prince's Advantage Mariana no sooner came into Clitie's presence but she feign'd new Stories of the Ravings Sighings Lamentations and Tears of the poor afflicted Prince and the great pains and difficulty she had to recover him after Clitie had parted from 〈◊〉 nor did she leave any thing unsaid 〈◊〉 might touch her Heart in favour of 〈◊〉 Prince But Clitie's Constancy and Fidelity wou'd admit in her a love for none but 〈◊〉 Darbelle his Merit the many Obligations that she had had from him and those reciprocal Promises and mutual Vows they had made eternally to love each other still possess'd her Memory and no less 〈◊〉 Heart besides she daily receiv'd from him such pastionate and tender Letters and full of Wit and Judgment that they 〈◊〉 wou'd have been potent enough to 〈◊〉 defended him against all his Rivals At length by little and little the Prince's Presents his Solicitations and the promises he daily made Mariana that she 〈◊〉 share with him in all his good Fortune quite corrupted her and gained her wholly to his side she now forgets all he had promised Darbelle and all the 〈◊〉 she ow'd to Clitie and not considering the fatal Consequence this horrid Perfidy might cause discover'd to the Prince all their Secrets and assur'd the Prince that Clitie lov'd Darbelle even to death and 〈◊〉 that was the occasion of the Quarrel between him and Amasis and that he had 〈◊〉 left her but by her Command and after she had given him a thousand Assurances to love him to her Grave and to marry him as soon as their Affairs were in Condition to admit it that no Day scarcely passed wherein Clitie had 〈◊〉 Letter from him and that she as often sent him Answers and to be short the Darbelle was the only hinderance of 〈◊〉 happiness and that she had cause to 〈◊〉 confidently assur'd that nothing but the Pre-ingagement cou'd hinder her from 〈◊〉 him and that his Person and Addresses had nothing in 'em but what 〈◊〉 advantageous and agreeable did not 〈◊〉 consideration of the Love she had to Darbelle interpose This Relation of Mariana's 〈◊〉 surpriz'd the Prince and sensibly afflicted him he was so amaz'd at it that it 〈◊〉 some time ere he came to himself and declar'd he had rather the Rigours and Cruelty of Clitie had sprung from a hatred 〈◊〉 his own Person than from the love she had for Darbelle he forgot not to return Mariana a thousand Thanks for the Favours and good Offices she had done 〈◊〉 in discovering to him such important Secrets from which he hop'd to reap great Advantage They swore a mutual Amity nor did they part before he had 〈◊〉 rewarded her for what she had done 〈◊〉 him he pull'd off his Finger a Diamond Ring of great Value which he presented to her and having
of her Inquietudes in so obliging a manner that after having defended her self for two or three days from his Importunacy she could no longer resist making him her Confident ' I can receive no content says she one day to him with Tears in her Eyes which her Grief drew from her since I am so unhappy to be beloved of one the most disingenious of all men that is to say Amasis who I hear every day publishes a thousand reproaches against my Honour Darbelle blush'd at this Discourse through Anger and Vexation and made known to Clitie how desirous he was to revenge the Injuries that Amasis had done her but she wou'd by no means give way to it but only intreated him as a man that espoused her Interest that he would search out the Truth whereby she might take her measures for her Justification Darbelle promis'd what she requir'd and in pursuance thereof the next day sought for a fit occasion to discourse with him and by good fortune found one the most favourable that cou'd be for meeting him about four of the Clock in the Afternoon walking in the Garden of Artulieries he desir'd his Company to the Orange-Garden with a pretension to buy some of the Fruit. They both went into Darbelle's Coach together and arriving thither they alighted and walk'd some time on foot viewing the Oranges After some Discourse Darbelle says to him Amasis you are the most happy man that ere I knew who have gain'd the Affection of so beautiful a Lady but I am ignorant how you shou'd so soon become weary of her Favours for my part added he I have sighed for her a long time and never was so happy as to obtain the least favourable Consent from her in my Amours Amasis at this Discourse with his usual Imprudence answered him surlily I do not think the happiness so great as you imagine it and shou'd be much troubled to continue any longer in her Fetters Is it not enough pursues he maliciously that I have had Proof of her weakness but I must needs marry her And think you 't is not much better to cast off her Chains than continue in them as you do who are but a Fool the while Is it true answered Darbelle coldly that you have received such Treatment It is most true replied Amasis that she hates me not and that she has omitted no Endeavours to oblige me to marry her but by good fortune I have escap'd it I cou'd not believe replies Darbelle that you were so base a Person as I find you are I have been told as much by many but I thought it only your Enemies that had done you an Injustice and not what you merited tho now I am confirm'd that there is no vile Action of which you are not capable since you have the Confidence to asperse one of such Quality and Vertue as Clitie Amasis was much surpriz'd at this Discourse and he wou'd never have talk'd to him after such a manner but to raise in him a contempt of her that so he might have quitted her Nevertheless he being resolute and what he had told Darbelle cou'd not be recall'd he believed himself obliged to make him some Answer assuming therefore the Discourse he told him after a rallying manner You do well not to believe what I have told you for 't is not much for the Credit of so gallant a young Man as you are to consume your self in vain Addresses to a Beauty who is prodigal of her Favours to other but does not value you Darbelle could no longer endure this Insolence but suffering himself to be carried away with those Emotions that a true Lover cannot but feel when he hears his Mistress wrong'd draws his Sword which Amasis no sooner saw but was as ready to defend himself they being both men of great Courage made the Combat more formidable Darbelle receiv'd three Wounds ere he cou'd touch Amasis but seeing his Blood flow from him on all sides and fearing to be overcome by the Efforts of so dangerous an Enemy The Rage and Fury wherewith Love did then inspire took such strong Possession of his Heart that rallying up all his Forces he gave Amasis two such Wounds which laid him breathless at his Feet This Combat was in place retired from all People and whither Darbelle had drawn Amasis with no other design at first but that they might discourse more freely and that he might with the greater ease make a Discovery of what he came about And altho this Quarrel was no premeditated thing yet their being in such a place with other Circumstances and the love that all People knew they both had for the same Person without much difficulty made every one believe it was a set Duel The business was soon made publick and every body that were concern'd took their Friends part That of dead Amasis who was the Heir of a vast Estate and a Person of great Quality was the strongest The King who was willing to be inform'd of the truth of the matter was over-perswaded that Darbelle was the Agressor and openly declar'd against him commanded a diligent search to be made and that his Process should be drawn up with all the severity that cou'd be as was usual against Crimes of that nature In the mean time the unfortunate Darbelle foreseeing the Praemunire this business had brought him into all wounded as he was retir'd to a Friend's House of his called Lycidas none knowing where he was gone or that he had been wounded And after some few days had past they made no doubt but he had made his Escape and left the Kingdom and his own Friends to make the Report more credible gave out That they had receiv'd intelligence from him out of Spain whither he was fled to secure himself In the miserable estate our poor Lover found himself in 't was not the fear of Death nor the Disgrace he suffer'd under by his Prince that so much afflicted him but the unavoidable necessity of leaving his dear Clitie and that he had lost by it all hopes of ever possessing her he was almost distracted when he found he was forc'd to leave her in a Countrey where there was but little probability of his ever appearing there again Thus were his Thoughts imploy'd and his poor Heart almost broke with Grief Clitie in the mean time came to the Knowledge of this News amongst the rest of the Court by the Rumour that presently spread it self every where None suspected her concern'd Amasis being dead and having no evidence they were all ignorant of the true Cause she alone knew what had passed between the two Rivals and looking upon her self as an innocent Cause of all Darbelle's misfortunes the violence she imposed upon her self to hide the trouble she was in for it cast her into a fit of Sickness It is certain that her Heart which till then was ignorant of what it felt in the same moment found it self touch'd with a sense
I have so little Honour as to abandon my Friends because they are miserable especially since I my self am the cause of it I must confess I am not yet thoroughly inform'd how yours have hapned to you tho I cannot but believe I have contributed much to 'em against my Will and my Heart innocent tho it be is already so touch'd with a sense of the Guilt that you may easily imagine that I am impatient to know it and have no small desire to assist you and render you such Services as may if possible make you reparation for all those Evils I have brought upon you In finishing these words she obligingly press'd his Hand and after Darbelle had return'd her Thanks with an Air and Words the most amorous that ever were he told her the Conference he had with Amasis his insolent Behaviour and the Combat which put an end to all he made her sensible he was not yet cur'd of his Wounds he told her both the name of the place and his Friend to whom he had retir'd and gave her an exact account of all that hapned since his parting from her but in the Relation which he made of all his unfortunate Adventures he inserted such tender Marks of a true Love and deliver'd all his words with I know not what of languishing so feelingly that it wou'd have moved the Hearts even of the most insensible But Clitie who was naturally of the most tender Disposition in the World being then in the prime of Innocence suck'd in the insinuating Poyson of his words for some space after he had finish'd his Relation she beheld Darbelle with dying Eyes and in those languishing looks discovered but too much the Sentiment of her Heart but no sooner did she perceive the small Command she had of her self but a certain blushing covered all her Face and dyed it of a Crimson Colour which render'd her so charming that Darbelle was ready to expire at her Feet Ah! most adorable Clitie cries he out how shall I relate to you what I feel when in the extremity of my Misfortunes you raise me to the highest step of happiness O how much am I beholden to my Enemies and to those Accidents which seem to cross my life who banish me from Court and from the Conversation of Mankind that I may have no Disturbance in the Thoughts of you and who have been the means of procuring me all those Transports of Love wherewith I am inspir'd Once more most charming Clitie give me leave to consecrate my life to you and to present you with a Heart which tho no ways worthy of you yet the most tender and most passionate of all Hearts Clitie was about to answer when Mariana running to her interrupted her and told her that her Father was just come from the Louver and ask'd to speak with her the Grief and Trouble that this News put her in was yet more obliging to Darbelle than all that she had said to him she gave him an absolute Command that he shou'd think of nothing but his Safety and his Departure from the Court. But because in this first Interview they had resolved of nothing of what might happen he intreated leave to wait on her the next day about the same time to which she consented So they parted Darbelle went to the outward Gate accompanied by Mariana without being known or suspected by any altho not a Servant in the House but wou'd have known at another time Clitie went to her Father who she found sad and out of humour and being desirous to be inform'd ask'd him the reason why he seem'd so Melancholy My Child says he I am just now return'd from receiving the King's Orders which much trouble me It is strongly reported that Darbelle is yet in some place hereabouts and that not taking notice of the Decree against him he has not fled from the Court. The King thinks it a point of Injustice to let him escape unpunished and looks upon the Combat as a Crime of State and to be short if he can be taken is possitively resolv'd he shall suffer Death he has commanded me to secure his Person a hundred Men of the Guards will be with me within an hour and we have order to force open the House of Lycidas in which it is supposed he is conceal'd Judge then my Child continues he if I have any cause of Joy since I must be the Instrument of bringing so vertuous a Man as Darbelle is to his end one who is so dear tome and one for whom I have a greater respect than all the Court besides however his Majesties Orders must be obey'd and 't is not in my power to avoid it Clitie who was not a little surpriz'd at this Discourse wanted not Prudence enough to conceal it but making an Effort upon her self told her Father that indeed he had reason enough for his grief yet nevertheless he ought to obey his Majesties Commands but withal she told him she cou'd no ways comprehend that a Person so criminal as Darbelle was shou'd not ere this have made his Escape out of the Kingdom Their Conversation lasted a little while after which they parted and Clitie that she might have the greater liberty to be alone feigned that she had the Head-ach Lycidas she knew was the Man at whose House Darbelle had conceal'd himself ever since the Combat insomuch that this pressing Accident which so much threatned him and the Danger and Difficulty which appear'd to Clitie in saving him did so extreamly surprize her and made so deep an Impression of his Affairs in her Heart that without any farther Consultation she writ him this Billet FLy unhappy Man fly from your Retreat the King and your Enemies have knowledge of it and in a very short time you will be apprehended the few moments on which your life depends are too too pretious to me to lose in saying any more Use all diligence then to save your selfe if you wou'd ever have me think you love me Darbelle received this Billet from Mariana's hands whom her Lady had sent with it he was much surpriz'd at it But the Interest which Clitie took in the safety of his Person was an incitement too powerful for him to slip the least moment and by good fortune he had not yet shifted himself out of his Woman's Cloaths not dreaming the least of what might fall out he was till now ruminating on nothing but the various turns his Fortune had shewn him Let us fly dear Mariana says he let us fly since Clitie has so commanded and the larger Interest she has in my Heart the more will I make it my Endeavour to preserve it for her In finishing these words they both went out together but hardly had they gone a 〈◊〉 from the House but they saw Clitie's Father at the head of a hundred 〈◊〉 men who had already seized and Guarded all the Avenues Both Mariana and Darbelle knew him a 〈◊〉 ways off which
made them pull both their Hoods over their Faces and to 〈◊〉 a little out of the way the better to avoid the Danger They passed them without any obstructions but neither Darbelle nor Mariana knowing that Clitie's Father had orders to apprehend him were much surpriz'd to find him in this Equipage they consulted a while about what they should do and to resolve to what place he should retire till the hour appointed to visit Clitie In short having well consider'd on the matter Darbelle not daring to trust any consider'd that it wou'd be very difficult to go to any place in his Woman's Habit without Discovery took up a Resolution to go directly to Clitie's and shut himself up in Mariana's Chamber He accomplish'd his desire most happily for they both got in without being perceiv'd by any and Mariana immediately went to Clitie to give her an account of all that had pass'd Clitie was extremely pleas'd at the News for Clitie's Father with the Guard departed to apprehend Darbelle almost at the same time that Mariana was sent to give him notice of it In the midst of these Troubles fearing what might happen to him she endured strange Tortures but no sooner did she understand that Darbelle was safe arrived but she went to him to testifie the Joy she received for his Escape Darbelle says she coming up to him I have deceived both my Father and the King to save your life and 't is no small trouble to me that it is not in my power to do yet more whereby I might testifie to you what interest I take in all that concerns you My fairest Clitie answered Darbelle you have had only care of preserving a man who is wholly yours but one who shall be imploy'd on no other account but your Service and to adore you even to his Grave Falling on his Knees and going to continue his Discourse Clitie prevented him saying to him Darbelle our time is precious and you have had a wonderful escape in this present avoiding your Ruine it is a great Argument Heaven it self has no small interest in you since it makes you so much its care and works such Miracles in your behalf abuse not therefore its goodness but lay hold on the means it proffers you and lose no time in making your escape out of Paris where your Enemies are so well informed of all that you do You cannot but be sensible that you have been betray'd since the King had information that you were retired to Lycida's House by very good fortune he gave his Orders for apprehending you to my Father and not to hold you longer it was from him I knew the Secret by which means I gave you timely notice Tho now you may imagine you are safe enough who knows what may happen How are you sure that none has dog'd you hither Consider therefore how miserable shall we both be shou'd you be taken in my Father's House My Honour and your life must be the Victims which our Enemies will sacrifice with all pleasure imaginable therefore both for my sake and your own I intreat you would not think of staying any longer here not only at Court but in the Kingdom and many times the Circumstances you lie under become more calm and tranquil as they grow old and 't is not impossible but after some time a means may be found out in your absence to pacifie the King's Anger and to change the Face of Affairs by making the King understand the Truth of the matter and that your Quarrel was not a set Duel but a Rancounter your Friends are many and powerful and I am sure will not forsake you and for my own part I will use all the interest I can that I may see you once again at Court and re-establish'd in the King's Favour Darbelle having hearkned to this Discourse of Clitie's without interrupting her being so overwhelm'd in Sorrow that he was incapable of saying one word and instead of returning her an Answer stood almost drown'd in Tears Clitie added a thousand other obliging things to comfort him at length Darbelle recollecting himself uttered these wordâ—â— but with so languishing a tone as he weâ—â— just departing this Life O my mâ— lovely Clitie does your Heart account with you in what you say on my account Clitie who already had resolv'd to discover to him the tender Sentiments she had for him and to give him all the assurances of Love that might become a Person of her Quality Honour and Vertue But one who still was under her Father's disposal paused a little ere she discover'd her self In short this was a lucky hour for Darbelle for Clitie thought it wou'd be very difficult to perswade him to leave her without giving him some hopes of seeing her again and being happy at his return and she fear'd that without some 〈◊〉 hopes he might yet be guilty of some extravagant thing in endeavouring to obtain her Love that might perhaps 〈◊〉 him his Life Having considered these things add to these the Passion she felt 〈◊〉 Heart which now she was no longer Mistress of she return'd him this Answer O Darbelle how cruel are you thus not to understand me and apprehend I love Alas Darbelle having given you such evident Proofs already methinks you might have been kind to me and spar'd my Blushes in telling you I love you and perhaps says she with a deep sigh more than you love me She blush'd in uttering these words and turn'd aside her Eyes from looking on Darbelle who was so extasied with what he heard and transported with the excess of Love and Joy he was not capable of returning her thanks nevertheless he threw himself at her Feet embracing her Knees and kissing a thousand times over her fair Hands at last he burst out O you great Gods are you not envious of the happiness I have Yes my adorable Clitie goes he on your 〈◊〉 is dearer to me than the Empire of the World But oh not all the Words 〈◊〉 Eloquence or Wit can e're express my Love and nothing but your All-charming Beauty can come in Competition with it And had I but the least thought that any thing cou'd change my Heart here I swear to you my divine Saint that I wou'd this moment pierce the persidious thing a thousand times before your Eyes He made a Million of Protestations 〈◊〉 an everlasting Love and Clitie gave him an assurance that she wou'd never marry any one but him and that she wou'd not only refuse all such who should make their amour to her but withstand the very Will and Command of her Father shou'd he ever attempt to bestow her on 〈◊〉 other Many passionate Expressions pass'd on 〈◊〉 sides for Confirmation of their Loves 〈◊〉 Protestations after which Clitie commanded him but with the greatest regret imaginable to depart the next day they 〈◊〉 of 'em seem'd to disolve in Tears 〈◊〉 the unseasonableness of the time and 〈◊〉 return of Clitie's Father constrain'd a
embrac'd her he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her never to forsake him assuring 〈◊〉 that should not be his last Present 〈◊〉 desir'd him to come to her the next day at an hour when she was confident Clitie wou'd not be at home that they 〈◊〉 farther consult what measures to 〈◊〉 in order to the supplanting of Darbelle and by some means or other to 〈◊〉 her to love the Prince Thus then they parted after having 〈◊〉 each other a thousand Promises of Fidelity and Amity Mariana fail'd not 〈◊〉 go immediately to her Mistress and 〈◊〉 better to disguise her Proceedings she 〈◊〉 her That now she was indeed worthy to be belov'd she prais'd the Grandeur 〈◊〉 her Soul and admir'd the Constancy of her 〈◊〉 who had so resolutely and rigorously 〈◊〉 the Efforts of the most powerful and sincere Lover in the World she seem'd 〈◊〉 put her in some way or other of 〈◊〉 the Prince and to prevent his daily 〈◊〉 In short she so well played the 〈◊〉 that Clitie confided more in 〈◊〉 now than ever she had done She receiv'd not one Letter from Darbelle that Mariana shew'd not to the since and indeed almost all those that Clitie had writ in answer to 'em This perfidious Woman slipt not the least occasion of deceiving Clitie and serving the Prince and it would be difficult to distinguish between the Fidelity that Clitie had for Darbelle and that which Mariana had for the Prince The day following Lysidor fail'd not to visit Mariana at the hour appointed 〈◊〉 did she forget to tell him all that she 〈◊〉 learn'd from Clitie she discover'd to 〈◊〉 all that Darbelle had writ to her and what she had writ to him by way of 〈◊〉 and tho' the Entertainment was as a bitter Poison to the Prince yet he made her repeat the same things over and over a hundred times Their Conversation ended as the 〈◊〉 had done in Presents and Protestation to be true and faithful It is true 〈◊〉 the Prince had seriously considered ever Transaction he found his Affairs 〈◊〉 his Mistress were but in a lamentable Condition and he despair'd do what he cou'd ever to gain her Heart he took a Resolution of leaving her and no more 〈◊〉 trouble these two Lovers in passion which to him seem'd so just and ought to be applauded by all vertuous People no soone did his Reason break through and dissipate those Clouds that did obscure his Glory but he was possess'd with a mortal Aversion for Mariana and all her Treachery seem'd odious to him and no doubt but the Soul of this Prince was so great and glorious that it was impossible to make greater Efforts than he made to reduce his Heart from so unfortunate a love he intended no farther to engage her in his Business and cou'd not have good thoughts of one who had so treacherously abus'd her Mistress Now it was that his Eyes being open'd he was sensible of the Deformity of Mariana's Actions that he had not any room in his Heart but what was possess'd with Rage and Anger against her he purpos'd forthwith to discover to Clitie what a Snake she had harbour'd in her Bosome and to tell her all that Mariana had made known to him One day when Glory seem'd to have the only sway of his Heart and to have got the Ascendancy o're Love by the Endeavours he had made he went to find out Clitie with a Resolution to ask her pardon for all the Troubles and Anxities he had given her and to inform her of all that he knew of Mariana Having that day found her alone as she was gathering Jessimine-flowers in a Terrase-walke before the Windows ' of her Apartment he says to her with a cheerfulness more than usual Fair Clitie wonder not I pray you that I presume this day to speak to you with more Assurance than formerly I have done since I am perswaded the business I now come to discourse to you of will be more agreeable to you than any I have yet spoke to you of since the first minute I had the happiness to see you Know then pursues he Madam I am come to throw my self at your Feet and implore a forgiveness of all that your fair Eyes and my Passion have forc'd me so often to say to you against your Approbation In short most beautiful Clitie I am resolv'd to leave you wholly to your own Disposal and desire no greater Favour than to be reckon'd amongst your Friends since I see it is impossible for you to love me as I wou'd have you or for you ever to make me happy I am sensible of the Violence I shou'd offer you shou'd I persecute you any longer and all that my Ambition craves that you wou'd suffer me to adore and honour you above all others and from this time I promise you no more to entertain you with any discourse of my love Clitie was so surpriz'd to hear him say this that at first she gave no credit to his words but imagin'd it some amorous Stratagem but at last he assur'd her of the Truth and wiping away all Suspicion she look'd upon him as a Person infinitely obliging and vertuous Can it be answer'd she that what you tell me now is Truth then have you made me happy and I will ever allow you the same place in my Amity that you have already in my Esteem for now I will no longer hide from you that I was driven even to despair that I have made you endure so much Inquietude which I knew not how to redress but continued she I never was more sensible of any thing than the Cruelty of your Destiny which had ordain'd a Person of your Merits and Vertues to sue to one so incapable of making you any Returns as I but since you only desire I shou'd look on you as a Friend be assur'd I esteem you as my best The Prince return'd her Thanks 〈◊〉 a thousand other obliging things 〈◊〉 spent the rest of that Visit with an Air seemingly full of Content and Satisfaction he thought it not convenient yet 〈◊〉 discover the Intelligence between him and Mariana fearing it might put her out of humour therefore he left that to some more proper season Thus he parted from her with an intention of being only her Friend and no more to trouble her with his Love but in a short time after his Passion which seem'd to be a Sleep rouses it self againe in his Heart and made him apprehend that a Friendship only with Clitie wou'd but make him more miserable and being her Friend he had now no more hopes for Love but must for ever live tormented with Despair What says he my Heart wou'd you no longer love Clitie What then unhappy thing wilt thou do Perhaps thou wilt shortly see her in anothers Arms whilst thou hast no pretension but to Friendship that 's to say thou must be pleas'd to see her with thy Rival and rejoyce in the soft Tenders of their Loves which none
but they must injoy O God! cry'd he out how cou'd I ever think when this shall happen that I can look on without resigning up my life No no Clitie it is impossible but I must still love you love more than all my Rivals put together and I will dispute with them your heart to the last gasp He walked hastily about his Chamber in pronouncing these last words just as Mariana entred who was so alarm'd at her Mistress's telling her the Prince no longer lov'd her that she cou'd not rest till she came to learn the Truth of it from himself The Prince after having understood the Subject of her Visit found he was no longer in a Condition of being her Friend only but on the contrary that he was a thousand times more enamour'd of her now than ever thought it convenient not to let her know the weakness he had been guilty of and disguis'd from her the Truth fearing that Mariana wou'd no more make him her Confident and that she wou'd not so freely disclose the Secrets of Clitie as formerly she had done Is it possible my dear Mariana says he composing himself the best he cou'd that you shou'd believe I cou'd live one moment without loving Clitie And do you not apprehend all that she has told you of my yesterdays Visit to be but a Love-mystery whereby I flatter my self to make some advantage Ah Mariana goes he on be confident that my Love and Life are too inseparable to be ever sundred and there is nothing so dear to me I will not sacrifice to my Passion Mariana easily believed all he said and was glad to hear him speak after this manner she flatter'd him in his Attempts and assur'd him she wou'd never forsake his Interest They had many other Discourses in which they continued some time concluding that before Clitie shou'd be undeceiv'd concerning what she believ'd of the Prince and that it was necessary to keep her in the same opinion the better to bring about their Designs He the same day composes a Song which he had so order'd that it should be given to Clitie as a piece of new Gallantry wherein none cou'd have guess'd either of them concerned though at the same time he did not question but when Clitie saw it she would find a perfect description of the last Conversation that she had with him and cou'd not fail to guess both the Author and his Intentions The Song is as follows SONG 1 To hold the first Rank amongst all the Friends Of a Beauty whom all do admire 〈◊〉 short of attaining the Lovers chief ends And does but inflame his desire 〈◊〉 Phillis decrees me no better a State And I must sit down content with my Fate 2 〈◊〉 behold the soft Object created my Grief To suffer a wrack under Friendships disguise 〈◊〉 all this smart without hopes of Relief And still to be stabb'd by her cruel fair eyes Phillis the doom I 'm sentenc'd to bear And ever to love yet ever despair 3 That Riddles are these O you powers of love That Tortures shou'd spring from a Fountain of Joy And all that shou'd please me my Torments do prove And the sweetest delights my Bliss do destroy Phillis to live and not to enjoy 〈◊〉 surely the cruelest way to destroy 4 But the pleasures of seeing ber tho' as 〈◊〉 Friend Docure the sad Wounds her Eyes do create 'Twixt curing and killing my life has no end And to love without hope is doom'd my sad Fate Yet 't is better to serve her in Torments and Pain Than never to see my dear Phillis again This Song was given to Clitie at a Ball the next day after the Conference she had with the Prince she had no sooner read it but reflecting on the last Stanza she became exceeding troubled it appear'd to her that all that the Prince had said to her was so lively represented in the Song that she cou'd not imagine but 't was he that made it and what confirm'd her in this Opinion was That she surpriz'd him looking on her with great earnestness nor did he take his Eyes once off on her all the time she was reading it which made her often change Colour The Prince was not a little pleas'd that Clitie 〈◊〉 guess'd the matter right And she found such Appearances and Informations in the Song touching their last Discourse that being of a genuine Wit and quick Apprehension that she doubted no longer who was the Author nor indeed was it probable that a Love so great as that of the Prince's shou'd be so easily and suddenly chang'd into Friendship without some further Design But Clitie reflected no more on the matter which now she had not the least doubt of for she soon understood from whom it came she was inform'd that a merry Lady out of a frolick humour wou'd have pick'd the Prince's Watch out of his Pocket unknown to him in drawing out the Watch the Song fell to the ground which when she had taken up and read she gave it to the rest of the Company ere he perceiv'd it But the business rested not here for the Prince having taken out Clitie to dance desir'd to know of her what Paper that was she was reading but now It is says she only a little Forgery that some Man of Wit had made to oblige some of his Friends What you say replies the Prince to her fair Clitie raises a curiosity in me They had not opportunity of saying any more considering the place and what they were about oblig'd them rather to dance than to enter into a Conference the truth is they danc'd together because they cou'd not now avoid it but any one might have perceiv'd it was not with that exactness as it ought it being the least thing they thought of After Clitie had seated her self in her place the Prince came to her and told her she had raised a Curiosity in him of what she had told him concerning a Forgery she spoke of that he had an earnest desire to see the Paper she had read if it were not a Crime to desire it of her she told him it was not a Secret and that she was one of the last that had read it and without further hesitation gave him the Song which he had taken care before to be writ in a Hand different from his own he read it but seem'd then to take little notice of it but a while after addressing himself to Clitie Madam says he how much I pity this unfortunate and how lamentable is his Condition I know not says she what you may do but I shou'd not much pity him were what he says a Truth since 't was only what himself had consented to In the humour you are of answers the Prince with sighing I believe there is scarce any body in the World that cou'd oblige you to commiserate their Troubles You take too much pleasure goes he on in the Sufferings of those that adore you to seek
out any Remedy for them tho' it would cost you but a word 's speaking But pray Madam wherefore shou'd a poor Lover who had made all the Efforts he was able to become only a Friend to his Mistress and made it his whole care and study to effect it appear so criminal before you It is because replies she briskly that no honest man promises any thing which he does not performe and if it lies not in his power to do it he ought to order the matter so that his Misfortunes trouble none but himself Clitie blush'd in returning this Answer and all the rest of the Evening she so order'd it that the Prince cou'd have no particular Discourse with her The Ball being done each return'd to their respective homes but Clitie and the Prince were extreamly troubled since she no longer doubted but the Prince was still as amorous as ever and that he would not desist importuning her as he had already done The Prince for his part cou'd draw no favourable Construction of Clitie's Discourse and her manner of delivering it He cou'd no longer defer the knowing the true Condition in which he stood with her the next Morning writ to her Woman Mariana and begged her to let him know for he was impatient till he did how the case stood with him and her Mistress She return'd him in answer That when Clitie was return'd from the Ball she did nothing but weep and sigh saying No Misfortune ever cou'd compare with hers and that she plainly perceiv'd the Prince was still as passionate as ever and that he only rallied with her when he only desir'd to become her Friend Mariana advis'd him to be firm in his Resolution and to lose no time in his Endeavours to mollifie her and that he shou'd not fail to give her a Visit the same day and that she for her part wou'd with all her power be assistant to him in rendring him again in her Favour The Prince receiv'd this News with much trouble and to encrease his Misery he felt his love for Clitie renew after such a manner that it was able to put him upon doing all the extravagant things imaginable maugre the Grandeur of his Soul which at any other time bounded it self in the limits of Glory He went the same day to wait on her whom he found all alone much troubled and melancholy I come says he going up towards her Madam to learn of you why you gave me that hard Treatment last Night and wherefore I have so soon lost the happiness of being of the best of your Friends if it is so that I am not of that number I will no longer afflict my self with your cruel Indifference You ought rather to wonder answers she that I should still admit your Visits after you have abused all those kind Sentiments and good Opinions I had of you but hereafter I shall be more cautious and less reduable to you for ' em It will be difficult to effect it replies the Prince for a man so lost in love as I am can never do too much to defend himself against the Cruelties of his Mistress What! replies Clitie interrupting him do you so daringly tell me you love and not believe you offend me Happen what will replies the Prince I must confess I am a thousand times more amorous than ever and since I have used all means possible to dissipate my Passion yet in vain it is most likely I shall continue so to my latest Breath As for what you threaten me with I am already so loaden with Misfortunes and Miseries that I cannot fear any new ones and all the power you have over me can never render me more wretched than I am It is true continues he that being quite wearied with suffering Woes incredible I thought to have made exchange of Love for that of Friendship and no sooner had I resolv'd it but I told you of it but if I have been deceiv'd cruel Clitie is it my fault or your own for I have not the power to see you but I must love you In finishing these words a Flood of Tears fell from his Eyes and Clitie all enrag'd as she was cou'd not avoid answering his Tears with her own who were as so many Witnesses that her Heart was touch'd with Compassion But what was most strange she having a thousand bitter things to reproach him with and wou'd never have permitted him to come into her Chamber but that she resolv'd to forbid him seeing her any more when she heard him speak in that manner with such a profound submission and unparallel'd respect and with so sincere and transcending Passion she had not the power to execute what she intended And altring her tone You wou'd Prince says she to him ' wear out my life by importuning me daily as you do since all will be in vain and I must ingeniously declare to you my Heart can never be in a capacity to receive your Love. I hope not so replies the Prince yet most adorable Clitie I shall never leave serving you and for all ask no other Reward but the liberty of seeing you and paying my Adorations to your fair Eyes which he spoke with so profound so true and so ardent a Passion that none cou'd have defended their Hearts but such who had the Constancy of Clitie He us'd all his Endeavours during the rest of their Conversation to reduce her to Reason at last she was perswaded that his Passion was rather an Inchantation than any thing else and that it was an Evil that wou'd admit no Cure and she laid down to him the Bounds and Limits that a disinterested Love ought to respect As unfortunate as the Prince was he was well satisfied with this Visit he found a goodness in the Heart of Clitie that always afforded him some Consolation if it cou'd not produce him any hopes Mariana on her part seeing matters so well accommodated was not a little pleas'd she still resolv'd to make the Prince continue his Suit she was not so much concern'd whether it succeeded or no so that he still continued to court Clitie Darbelle hitherto was not every way betray'd by Mariana that is to say his Letters were daily deliver'd to Clitie and Clitie's as duly given to him but seeing that whenever Clitie receiv'd News from her Lover she became more inexorable to the Prince she resolv'd to push her falsehood home and to pretend hereafter she did not so often receive Letters from him nor did she fail daily to instil the Poyson of her Malice into the Heart of Clitie by complaining of Darbelle's silence by which she gave her unspeakable Disquiets and branded him every minute with a thousand Reproaches for his negligence Clitie stood not in need of any help to aggrivate the Impatience she had to hear from him a Love like hers furnish'd her with means sufficient to afflict her self withal The Prince on the other side lived after his usual rate shewing a
Feet without taking his part even against her self nor cou'd all that was daily said to her of him make her believe he was yet inconstant The suspence in which she was seem'd to aggravate her Miseries cou'd she have really thought Darbelle no longer lov'd her Grief wou'd put an end to her life or were she certain of his Falshood the Assistance and Helps she received from every body by their Cares and Consolations might in time ease her Sufferings but in the plight in which she was now ever felt such Grief and Afflictions as the unfortunate Clitie In the mean time the Prince and Mariana made Advantages of all that happen'd and ceas'd not day and night to confirm her in a belief of the only thing in the whole World that had the least truth in it and was the most injurious for her The End of the first Part. CLITIE A NOVEL PART II. THE Prince had so well by underhand Practice spread through all the Court that Darbelle was married to a person of great Quality in Florence whom he intirely lov'd ever since his arrival in that Country that at last there was no more room left for Doubt and every one talk'd of it as a thing most certain Clitie cou'd no longer take the part of one whom she deem'd so unworthy her Affections began to hate him now more than before she had lov'd him It is certain she did it not without suffering inconceivable Perplexities she cou'd no longer abide at Court the constraint she lay under to appear as she us'd viz. making and receiving Visits and being obliged every day to the Company of such who made Pleasure their business who are inseparable from a Court had reduced her to a very low Condition she became so alter'd that it was difficult to know her for which reason she resolv'd to pass away some time at her House in the Countrey where she might have more liberty she doubted not but there she shou'd soon blot Darbelle out of her Memory or at least have more freedom to make her Complaints of his Falshood and to take more pleasure in the Hatred she had conceiv'd against him Mariana fail'd not to follow her and the more to aggravate her Resentments for Darbelle she never nam'd him without cursing his person and forgot nothing that might make him appear more criminal urging still the Obligations he had to Clitie and the Punishment he merited What wou'd she be continually saying to her Mistress cou'd not this false man for a little time resist the Charms of one Woman when you for him have contemn'd so many gallant men at Court and scorn'd so many Lords Is it possible continues she that his in-human Heart cou'd be so false so soon as he once was out of your sight to forget your Beauty Merit and all that you have done for him What Punishment can he think he deserves not And wherefore shou'd you for the Fault he has committed and for her whom he has marry'd never return to Court again and use your utmost power to revenge your self Sometimes she counsell'd her to employ all her Friends utterly to destroy him and to declare a thousand injurious things against him that he might go no where where he might not hear of it and know that you have no longer an Esteem for him These cruel Discourses of Mariana seem'd to indulge Clitie in her present Condition and she cou'd not but hearken to the Railings and Revilings against a man who she imagin'd had so cruelly abus'd her The Prince who wanted no information of all that pass'd in Clitie's Heart seem'd far more concern'd and troubl'd for her than ever and more to bewail her absence than any other he sent to enquire after her health every day and fain wou'd have gone himself to see her But Clitie who was now possess'd with a mortal Hatred against Mankind in general wou'd not suffer any Visit and whatever he endeavoured to that effect was all in vain she sent word she wou'd see no body and that nothing cou'd be more offensive or injurious to her than to press her any farther This Resolution wou'd not have been very pleasing to Lysidor had he not known the cause of it and he thought it no difficult matter since by Mariana's Care and Management she was brought about to hate Darbelle to make her in time change the Resolution she had taken to seclude her self from the World and to perswade her to come again to Court. It is certain that considering the great and violent Passion he had for her he cou'd hardly endure being so long absent from seeing her But Mariana to deserve the Rewards he had made her hope forgot nothing that might ease him she promis'd to order things so that he himself by her means shou'd be a Witness of the obliging things which Clitie continually pronounced against Darbelle The matter was not hard to compass for Clitie had but few Attendance with her in the Countrey so that Mariana with ease found out a way to get him in unseen and hide him in her Chamber where Clitie commonly pass'd most part of the day in reproaching and vowing an eternal Aversion against the Infidelity of Darbelle and that she never wou'd forgive him A while after it so fell out that Clitie's Father fell sick of a dangerous Feaver which oblig'd his Daughter to quit her Solitude to come and attend him This Conjuncture so far was favourable enough to her for during the time of her Father's Sickness none wondred to see her afflicted and sad but all things have their change and at length her Father recover'd his Health again and Clitie maugre the Condition in which she was was forc'd to open her Eyes and look upon her old Acquintance and was oblig'd to live at Court after the same manner she formerly had done but always with an Aire altogether melancholy notwithstanding all the endeavours that were us'd to divert her cou'd not perswade her to be loss sad The time that she had been in the Countrey seem'd to have given her new Charms and to have made her more amiable every one thought it a happiness but to talk with her and divert her and the Prince more in love now than ever was not a little pleas'd to see his Affairs go so well forward He doubled his Cares and Addresses to her and appear'd yet more magnificent than before he spar'd for no Charges he made Treats and Feasts that surpass'd all that ever were made which pleaded so advantagiously in his Favour to his Mistress that he had no cause to repent it Mariana on the other side apply'd the matter home talking to Clitie of nothing but of him nor was there one Servant in the house who did not almost adore him so great a Master was he in attracting the Love and Respect of all People whom Gold and Presents had any Power over every thing made to his Advantage in Clitie's Heart she now saw him much more
importunate than before and altho' she gave him not the least hopes of marrying her yet she appear'd not altogether so cruel and inexorable It is certain that seeing so advantagious an alteration he began to make new Attempts to the establishing himself wholly in her Favours and her Father who wish'd nothing more than his Alliance daily seeing the great Qualification of the Prince made new Proposals to his Daughter with an earnest desire to effect it Clitie seem'd now more consenting than before making but faint Denials and desir'd some time to consider of it Now it was that the Prince saw the happy hour approaching which so long time he had despaired of left no means unassay'd to perfect it But when the time was expir'd wherein Clitie was to return her Determination and that she thought she had banish'd Darbelle's Image quite out of her Heart she found her self deceiv'd she perceiv'd she had not that Command o're her Heart as she imagin'd and there were yet some Remains of Love that combated for the poor unfortunate and tho' they produc'd not those lively Representations they had done formerly yet they were powerful enough to keep her Heart still in balance for some time between a Lover whom she thought so false and criminal and a Prince who every moment gave her new Proofs of his Passion Mariana who was privy to all her disturbances and doubts endeavoured all she cou'd by her Addresses and Artifices to banish them What remains there yet in your Heart wou'd she often say to Clitie for the worst of men and the most perfidious breathing that can any longer hinder you from making happy the most constant and passionate Lover that ever was in truth continues she you are now no more to be excus'd for being so little sensible of the most tender Passion of a vertuous Prince and the Affronts of so vile and perjur'd a Wretch as Darbelle What! says she when you should think of nothing but Revenge against this Traytor and strive to blot him for ever from your Thoughts do you put him in balance with so generous a Prince Alas replies Clitie with Tears in her Eyes I cou'd say as much as you do to any other person and I cannot but disapprove the Sentiments of my Heart as the most unjust in the World but it is for that Traytor Darbelle whom I can never hate enough I have endeavour'd all I am able to bring it about but I cannot effect it as I wou'd there are still some moments wherein ungrateful as he is I know not what Devil envious of my repose represents him innocent all night long my Heart is fill'd with his Idea and he appears all weeping on his Knees before me more passionate and amiable than ever nor can my Reason all the day dissipate the Thoughts of my Dreams by night See there then says she to her Mariana the source of my Misfortunes and I can sooner die than think to marry any other till I am better assur'd if it be possible that Darbelle is married as is reported and so ungrateful as we think him This was the last Resolution that Clitie took nor was she to be alter'd from it she spoke to Mariana to seek out for some body in whom they might confide whom she would send into Florence and who at his return might make her a faithful account of all things Mariana found her self in no small perplexity at this Discourse of Clitie The Journey cou'd not be perform'd but in some considerable time and it was not unlikely this delay might hinder the Prince's marrying her fearing least Darbelle himself might come back to know the cause of her silence and so discover the Cheat of the Prince and her self These things then with a thousand others which the Prince presented to himself yet more cruel and dangerous put him almost into despair He consulted with Mariana about what was to be done and she made him sensible that after the manner that Clitie had so discours'd to her it wou'd be absolutely impossible to compass his Designs without deceiving her yet once more in pretending to execute her Orders and that if they did not all the time and pains they had employ'd hitherto in making her change her Opinion were to no purpose He agreed then that Mariana shou'd propose to Clitie the sending a Brother of hers into Florence assuring her he was one in whom she might confide both as to his Secrecy and the executing her Commands This Contrivance appear'd very seasonable and they had now no more to do than to put it in practise which was no difficult thing to effect since Clitie had not the least Suspicion that Mariana was not altogether for her Interest The perfidious Mariana fail'd not to be very pressing in the business telling Clitie what she had thought of in order to her satisfaction she soon confirm'd her in a belief of her Brother's fidelity and good management The poor credulous Clitie following her wonted custom left all to her Care and Expedition she only desir'd to speak with him giving him this Caution to believe nothing but what his own Eyes were Witnesses to and charg'd him strictly to get a sight both of Darbelle and his Wife and to inform himself the best he cou'd after what manner he liv'd with her and to neglect nothing that might satisfie her Curiosity and to give her a faithful Account of all that he learn'd Having given him this Charge the Gentleman took his Journey at least pretended so to do he furnish'd himself with all Necessaries such a Journey requir'd They told Clitie that he had taken Post when all the while he lay conceal'd in the Prince's Apartment knowing it was enough only to make him disappear This Journey cou'd not be perform'd in less time than a Month not reckoning the time it would take up in performing all those Orders Clitie had given him in instructing himself in the Circumstances concerning the false Darbelle During this time the Prince and Mariana had private Meetings where they consulted together to make all to their Advantage at the pretended return of him whom Clitie supposed she had sent into Florence they cause a Picture in Minauture to be drawn of a most exquisite Beauty who they design'd shou'd pass for Darbelle's Wife and composed in order all the Discourses that was to be made to Clitie about this business Nothing of Novelty happen'd during this supposed Journey Clitie hover'd daily between Fear and Hope Hate and Love and since the time she had sent to inform her self of his Life she imagin'd Darbelle less guilty The time being come for the return of Mariana's Brother they forgot nothing that they thought might be necessary to the deceiving Clitie but this Treachery seem'd to have so agreeable a success that there needed not such extraordinary Care. The Prince talk'd with Mariana's Brother he gave him rich Presents and promis'd him much more considerable ones if he perform'd his
part well On the other side Mariana had so fully instructed him during the time he lay conceal'd that he was as perfect in the business as the Authors of the Cheat themselves they inform'd him of all the Questions that Clitie might be suppos'd to ask and the Answers he was to return At length they arriv'd wherein they appointed to inform Clitie of the return of her Messenger Mariana so order'd it that she receiv'd a Letter before Clitie's face which gave her an Account of this News she presently shew'd it her Mistress and seem'd as eager to know the Success of the Journey as Clitie she returned an answer to her Brother commanding him to come at such an hour as she appointed and to take off all Suspicion she would not have her Mistress believe that she had spoken to him ere she her self had seen him The Prince to shew as tho' he knew nothing of the matter seem'd to know nothing of the return and to keep Clitie in the belief that Mariana still kept all her Secrets abstain'd from coming to Clitie's House at the time When the hour appointed by Mariana in her Letter to her Brother was come her Brother enters her Chamber with an Air of a man who had been expos'd to the Fateigues of a long Journey Clitie was with Mariana the same time that he appear'd but was so surpriz'd and so trembled that she cou'd hardly speak to him Mariana's Brother prevented her saying Madam I have perform'd all that you commanded I have been in Florence where I have seen both Darbelle and his Wife I was at their Palace which is indeed the most magnificent of the whole City He is look'd on there as the Prince's chief Favourite and in all appearance is exceedingly well setled in that Countrey he lives very happily and well contentedly with his Fortune his Wife who I saw at my leisure is one of the greatest Beauty's in the World she is very fair and exceedingly well shap'd and as I am inform'd of noble Extraction and of no mean Quality But Madam continues he the better to satisfie your Curiosity I have brought from thence her Picture I had no small trouble to get it being one of the greatest Beauty's of that Court but by the help of my Gold I had it exquisitely well painted by one of the most reputed Artists of that Place Who indeed inform'd me of the whole Story how that he fell in love with her as soon as he arriv'd in that Countrey and was not long ere he was lov'd again that which for some time deferr'd their Marriage was the distance that he was from his Estate and Countrey of which her Friends wou'd first inform themselves and since the time of their being married 't is reported he adores her Clitie who had attended this Relation with a mortal sadness cou'd now no longer endure it so saying to Mariana's Brother Sir you have too well executed my Orders and at the same time desir'd him to leave her alone which he perform'd No sooner was he gone but she cried but in so lamentable a Voice that it wou'd have mov'd a heart of Stone Perfidious Wretch alas then thou hast forgot me ingrateful man how have I deserv'd this usage She repeated these words a hundred times then dropping down on her Couch she fell in a Trance being a long time ere she cou'd be brought to her self again Mariana seem'd to be as much afflicted as her Mistress and pursu'd her Injuries yet further Barbarian says she O that I cou'd tear thy perfidious Heart in pieces for the cruel Abuses thou hast made my dear Lady suffer unhappy thee 〈◊〉 ever thou camest hither to betray 〈◊〉 with thy Falshood A little after addressing her self to Clitie Ah Madam says she think no more of that Monster who does not deserve to have his Name pronounced by you and who perhaps is at this very instant laughing at your Credulity and scorning your Complaints and Sighs Clitie continued many days in an unspeakable sadness never giving any truce to her Tears and Sorrows but at length she forbore 〈◊〉 Complaints and her Hate got the upper hand of her Love and she resolv'd never more to think on this ungrateful man 〈◊〉 use all possible means to be reveng'd 〈◊〉 him The Prince next day without seeming to know any thing that had pass'd wass very desirous to know the good or bad Success of his Affairs pays a visit to Clitie whom he was told was in Bed and 〈◊〉 him word that she desir'd to be excus'd that time intreating him to stay some 〈◊〉 days longer For the poor Clitie no sooner had heard the Relation of Mariana's Brother with the Circumstances of Darbelle Amours and Marriage but her Heart was e'en broke and she was so disconsolate that she had much ado to support her self in her sad Condition the showr'd down Tears in abundance and never ceas'd uttering over and over again the most soft and tender things that Love cou'd e're invent Mariana did all she cou'd to comfort her in this lamentable Estate and it is most certain had she had any person whom at that time she cou'd have confided in as she did in her the Emotions of her Heart wou'd almost have made them expire in Grief The Prince came as he was order'd but with little Assurance and as much Trouble He enters her Chamber with so sad and mournful an Aire but withal so amorous that Clitie maugre the motions of her Spirit cou'd not forbear as she confess'd afterwards some Sentiments of Joy to see such marks of Love and tender Passion in the Eyes of a man that she cou'd no longer look on but as her Friend Well then most charming Clitie says he to her falling on his Knees by the Bed side now the time is come in which your goodness has promis'd to pronounce me happy or for ever miserable but continues he looking on her with Eyes more tender and passionate than before If as I believe by the sad Conditiōn in which I find you that Death must be my Doom for surely the Troubles in which I see you can proceed from nothing but a sense of Pity that has possess'd your Breast in the behalf of a most unfortunate Prince who you are sending to his Tomb However most adorable Clitie say something whatsoe're it be to put an end to the Torments I endure which are so insupportable He stopp'd at these words his Tears falling down his Cheeks Clitie had yet no power to answer him she only 〈◊〉 forth many Sighs to intimate the Affliction of her Heart from whence they came The Prince interrupting them implor'd her again to declare his Destiny a long time without her speaking one word but at last she return'd him this Answer Prince I will never pronounce the Sentence of your Death you merit too much my Esteem and indeed my Love by all those Cares and Addresses you have rendred me and those Evils you have suffer'd
for my sake that I shou'd not confess that I believe you one of the most worthy men alive but says she my Heart is so sad and so fill'd with Inquietudes when I propose to my self to love any that I cannot without much difficulty make any Resolution permit me I intreat you only eight days more that I may reduce it to an intire consent to make you happy In finishing these words she dissolv'd in Tears and whatever the Prince cou'd say or do to hinder her was to no Effect He departed thence the most satisfied and contended man in the World seeing so happy a procedure of his Enterprize while the poor unfortunate Darbelle wore way his tedious Hours with a Sorrow not to be parallel'd The sweet and undisturb'd Content in which he had liv'd five or six Months wherein he almost every day heard News from his lovely Clitie or had Letters from her cost him dear for all those cruel Passions that are wont to attaque the Hearts of the most desperate in love had took possession of his his Fears and Jealousies were grown so strong they hurry'd him even to despair how often wou'd he think his Clitie dead When as oft as he wou'd he read over her Letters and found such marks of Love and Goodness in them that he cou'd impute her silence to no other Cause But these Thoughts reduc'd him to so lamentable a Condition that it is not to be describ'd All the Cares of La Rock who only of all his Servants knew the true Reason was to no purpose he now resolv'd to run all hazards and return again to France whatever danger might befall him The Consideration only of Clitie and the Hopes he still had daily to hear from her deterr'd him for some time but his Fears did not always predominate in his Heart but sometimes gave way to his Jealousie he wou'd imagine within himself that it cou'd be possible any thing cou'd have happen'd to Clitie that cou'd have hinder'd her writing to him and that Mariana in whom he put such Confidence was now silent by her Mistress's Commands tormented with these Thoughts he cou'd impute it to nothing but her Inconstancy Oh unhappy that I am wou'd he often say in the depth of his Solitude Clitie for certain no longer loves me and I cou'd never lose her Heart but 〈◊〉 the Happiness of some more fortune Adorer who for ought I know she loves a thousand times more while ◠am now speaking of it than ever she did me and nothing but this change cou'd have hinder'd her from writing to me and the great Obligations by which Mariana is bound to her has prevail'd with her to hide from me the Secret and not to let me know the least thing of it lest it shou'd give me an occasion to interrupt their Pleasures To one who was so passionate a Lover these terrible Suspicions made him utter a thousand disobliging things against her but pausing a while and having well consider'd his Misfortunes he fram'd to himself what might seem most likely to be true he believ'd her Father against her consent had forc'd her to marry some other and that the Tenders she had for him and her Love being weakned by absence and length of time were not furnish'd with Fortitude to withstand the Commands of her Father who was now weary with the continual Disobedience of his Daugbter These Inquietudes wrought such Torments in his Soul that it cast him into a violent fit of Sickness in the same time that he had made a Resolution to return again to France to be certify'd of his Fate The Agitations of his mind caused so raging a Feaver in him that he was reduced to the lowest ebb of life But after he had pretty well recovered and the greatest danger past he was so weak and low for more than two Months that he was not able to quit his Bed so that he was constrain'd to do what he could to be expos'd to the most cruel Violences that Love was capable to inflict He had found out a Retreat the most sutable to his Condition of all the Seats in Tuscany it was near the City of Florence on the Banks of the Arne in the bottom of a Valley where all things that an amorous Heart cou'd desire were met together He bought an House from a certain Florentine which was handsome enough after his manner it was ancient and seem'd to have been some old deserted Castle built all of Marble the River Arne washing its Walls as it pass'd gliding by its Issues were of long Walks planted on each side with green Lemmon and Orange Trees at the ends of which was a Grove in whose Shades and Silence this unfortunate and disconsolate Lover found incomparable Charms In this sad Solitude had he made Arbours in which he us'd to read his Clitie's Letters and to return their Answers where indeed he spent most of his time This course of living was much more agreeable to him being a man so extreamly amorous who had never receiv'd any Favour from that blind Deity tho' by him he had suffer'd much Disquiet All his Actions were of Love and one might truly say Love was all his business he was indued with an admirable Wit and compos'd the finest Verses in the World but the whole and continual Subject of 'em was his charming Clitie there was scarce one Tree about his Mansion in which he had not carv'd his Clitie's Name after a thousand pretty ways on some he drew it in Cyphers on some her Name at large on others her Anagram and Acrosticks in soft and pretty Verses on some again he wou'd write the whole History of his Love so that on which side soever one walk'd they might see something or other to content their Curiosity it seem'd as tho' the very Spirit of Love govern'd the whole place and with such power that all who came there and took pleasure in reading those amorous Devices return'd thence either more loving if their Heart had been touch'd before by that soft Deity or else more fit to take the Impression if yet their Hearts had never felt it All the Nobility and Persons of Quality in Florence often came to visit him but he took little notice of any who came to see him nor wou'd he be troubled with them resolving to imploy the Remainder of his Life in thoughts of his dear Clitie and studying means to see her again so that most of those who came to his House contented themselves only in injoying the Pleasures of that agreeable Solitude and return'd without speaking to him Nothing was more talk'd of in Florence than this delightful Solitude there was something in it which at the same time gave content and rais'd a Curiosity in the most great and piercing Wits of that City they cou'd not comprehend why such a Person as he so young and handsome whose Air and Mean spoke him not of common Birth shou'd take delight in so solitary a
as soon as he shou'd be gon Clitie might perhaps write to him and give him orders which he could not then follow and that without all doubt the silence of Clitie was occasion'd by some sickness which for the present hindred her from writing to him These Reasons had been convincing enough to any whose Heart was not so far carried away by the power of Love who thought he had no other Imployment for life but what might put him in a way of seeing his Mistress again He answer'd him That in short he was resolv'd to be satisfied in his Destiny and if Clitie were dead he had nothing to do but to follow her and if she were false to him that he shou'd not do himself Justice if he reveng'd it not or at least trouble their Repose and Pleasures This Resolution put an end to all their Contestations and so soon as he was able to undergo the fateigue of the Journey he parted taking only with him La Rock leaving all the rest of his People at his solatary Mansion with orders to remain there till his return He cou'd not make such speed in his Journey as he intended his Body being yet very weak and were he not encourag'd by the Assistance of powerful Love it wou'd not have been possible for him to have done it however at length he compass'd it and arrived safe in Paris He took up his Lodging in a retir'd and private place and he had hardly alighted off his Horse but he told LaRock he wou'd go immediately to Clitie and know his Doom LaRock throwing himself at his Feet conjur'd him not to expose himself so to his Death assuring him that he wou'd undertake by his Care and Management to do all things to his Satisfaction He told him he wou'd soon inform him of all things and that it was far more proper for him to execute such a Design than Darbelle being unknown to every body and might with more ease be instructed in the Truth of all things which wou'd be more difficult for Darbelle to perform The Consideration that La Rock might easier inform himself of what he sought to know made him consent to his going to Clitie La Rock after having disguis'd himself went out of his Lodgings but in is impossible to describe the impatience of the amorous Darbelle every minute seem'd to him an Age he was a thousand times in a mind to run through the City and expose himself to be discover'd in so dangerous a place But the Transports and Agitations of his Soul are not to be conceiv'd Love Anger Revenge Fear and Jealousie all at one time took possession of his Heart and made such terrible Emotions in it that it had like to have kill'd him Oh unfortunate Wretch that I am what shall I do if Clitie be dead I will not live a moment after so cruel a loss Then all on a sudden another Passion wou'd predominate o're his Sense But says he if this ungrate shou'd prove false to me what wou'd become of me Ha! I will revenge it with my own Hand I will stabb my Rival through her Eyes All these different Passions every one having 〈◊〉 much ground for them as the others 〈◊〉 him into such dreadful Incertainties that he was the most afflicted Man in the World. Hardly had La Rock been gone one moment to inquire after his Mistress but he was still running to the Door or looking out of the Window to see if he were not coming back again But after two hours La Rock enters so sad and dejected that Darbelle soon suspected he had no good News for him Well then says he I perceive you bring me little Comfort by your looks however speak freely and whatever Sentence you have to pronounce let me hear it quickly for the Doubts and Inquietudes I have been in since you departed has been more cruel and tormenting to me than the worst that can befal me Is Clitie dead Is she false in short What is become of her and what will become of me La Rock who was extreamly perplex'd cou'd have wish'd with all his Heart some other had his Office was seiz'd with a shaking all o're and knew not where to begin his Discourse But Darbelle fir'd with Impatience and not being able to forbear any longer La Rock says he to him hold me no longer in suspence unless you wou'd see me expire before you He pronounc'd these words with so 〈◊〉 and disconsolate an Aire that La Rock at the same time told him Clitie lives but she lives no more to you for she is married to Prince Lysidor I saw him at her Father's House where this day he makes a great Treat there is nothing to be heard but confusions of Noises Fiddles and Musick and Crouds of curious People go in and out so that it is no hard thing to enter there La Rock had no sooner spoke this but Darbelle gave a lamentable Groan and said O Heavens then is the unjust Clitie married And cou'd you look on and suffer it Then he fell in a Swoon on a Couch against which he was leaning La Rock run to his Assistance and endeavour'd all he cou'd to recover him yet all the Care and Pains he took cou'd not for above two hours draw him out of this miserable Condition but at length his Speech and Strength being a little recover'd made fresh Exclamations against Heaven and his Mistress accusing them both of Falshood that he had never merited but it was not long ere he turn'd his Complaints into Threats all the while raving on nothing but Swords Daggers and Poisons La Rock for many Reasons dar'd not call for any body to help his Master and to reduce him from the pitiful Condition in which he lay for fear his Complaints and Transports shou'd betray who he was and was forc'd to content himself with what he alone cou'd do to comfort him but the Evil was too recent and violent to admit any Consolation and there was an absolute necessity to let it take its Course Darbelle having all this while suffer'd a thousand Tortures turn'd him towards La Rock Clitie has married the Prince Lysidor says he to him how was you inform'd of it and what Certainty have you for it I was told it answers La Rock at their own House who were all in a Confusion tho' I had no other Information than the Musick and Hautbois who when I approach'd and commended their playing and the fineness of their Aires they were so pleas'd with me that there was nothing I cou'd ask them that they did not resolve me They told me the Princess had given a great Dinner to a dozen Ladies of the Court and that after that Repast there was to be a splendid Collation and all the Company wou'd sup with her and to finish the day there was to be a Ball where many Lords and Noblemen wou'd be in Masquerade in the most gallant Habits and Devices that cou'd be invented This
is all I was inform'd of nor did I inquire into any more knowing such sort of People cou'd give me but small Intelligence of the particulars of Clitie's Marriage besides this unwelcome News had so surpriz'd me with Grief and Trouble that I had not the power to ask any more or to stay any longer Darbelle having heard this dismal Relation made a thousand fresh Complaints and new Imprecations against Clitie sometimes threatning her and sometimes saying he wou'd kill himself But after all the Disorders that Love and Anger had produc'd in his Heart he made a Resolution to see her the same Night and reproach her with her Falshood And adressing himself to La Rock I am but a Fool says he thus to torment my self for a perfidious Woman who has not deserv'd my Love no I will not kill my self she is not worth that trouble but I will have the pleasure to make her miserable by the Disdain I will shew her and by the Crosses I will give to all the Delights of her Life this same day will I go in Masquerade and threaten her in the very midst of the Ball and raise in her all those frightful Apprehensions which ought to terrifie one so criminal as she in having cast off so true a Lover as my self When La Rock heard him talk thus he presented to him the hazard he run in such an Enterprize and that perhaps instead of revenging himself on Clitie he wou'd be expos'd to the loss of his own Life and be so far from punishing her Falshood that he wou'd put her in a way no more to fear him You mistake me says Darbelle to him I have so great a desire to afflict Clitie that I will take care to preserve my self and that I may the better effect it I will be more cautious than you imagine and since the Feast of which you speak is to be publick and the Ball free for all Masquers I see nothing I need fear being well disguis'd La Rock cou'd not contradict him only put him in mind that his Disguise wou'd not be enough if he had not great care in governing his Passions when he shou'd see Clitie and speak to her He warranted all things and wanted nothing but the Disguise that shou'd gain him his Admittance Darbelle thought he cou'd not invent a Dress that wou'd more afflict Clitie than the Representation of one from the Dead he imagin'd that one who was so guilty as she wou'd be startled at the sight of a Ghost from the Shades below He sent for a Tailor to whom he gave directions what to do and in a short time it was ready it being a Dress of no great trouble and few Ornaments It was made of white Sattin after the manner of a Vest with large Sleeves of the same and cover'd all over with a Vail of black Crape spotted all with white which hung down to his Legs which none cou'd see without some Apprehensions of Death La Rock disguis'd himself after another manner for he intended to keep always by his Master but pretended not to be of the same Company and he had order'd him so to play his part that still as Darbelle was absent from Clitie he shou'd be near her and narrowly observe all her Actions and Behaviour All being now ready and the Hour come Darbelle went forth yet ere he went he had writ in a Paper four Verses that might help to terrifie her All things went as they cou'd wish Darbelle and La Rock arriv'd there and separated themselves as they enter'd Darbelle appear'd alone and La Rock seem'd to joyn with another Company of Masquers The Ball was begun ere they came the Ladies of which it was composed made a glorious and splendid Appearance but above all the rest Clitie who never in her life had dress'd her self so rich and so much to her Advantage she was so pleasant so beautiful and merry that it wou'd have griev'd any one to have disturb'd her The Prince her Husband was not there being engag'd at play in another Company with the King. Darbelle no sooner made his Entrance but the whole Assembly were startled at his Disguise there was not one of the Company whom it made not for some 〈◊〉 seem sad especially after the manner of Darbelle's personating it some at the 〈◊〉 took it for a Ghost indeed come from the Grave to disturb their Ball and put a stop to their Delights and Pleasures However he prudently conceal'd his Sentiments and the Disguise he had on was a necessary help to hide the Violence he did on himself to keep in his Passion He took a Seat near to Clitie's and for a long time he fix'd his Eyes on her without speaking a word which she soon took notice of But since Masquerades were design'd only for Adventures she imagin'd this some Frolick that some Friend of hers had undertaken and that she shou'd know the meaning of it the next day All this while Darbelle's Eyes were fix'd on her till he was taken out to dance by a very pleasant humour'd Lady who said to him as she gave her hand 〈◊〉 long to have a Dance with Death These words made him alter his posture he perform'd the Dance with a mournful Air but nevertheless with the greatest Grace that cou'd be which made 'em all to understand he was a Ghost of some Quality After having paid his Devoirs to the Lady who had taken him out he presented his Hand to Clitie as the Mistress of the Ball and danc'd with her and as he was taking his leave of her to go to his place again he slipt the Billet into her Hand which he writ ere he came forth in which were four Verses She was strangely surpriz'd both at the boldness of the Ghost and the odness of the Adventures but having no small stock of Wisdom she thought fit to say nothing of it at that time yet hop'd to be inform'd of the meaning on 't ere the Sport was over she almost dy'd with Impatience to know the Contents of the Paper just as one came and made his Addresses to her to dance with him so that at present she had no opportunity she pretended she was weary and that she was able to dance nothing but a Courant which was no sooner ended but she slipt aside into a Corner where there were but few Persons of Quality in respect of the other parts of the Room and going up to a Wax-Taper he open'd the Ghost's Letter where she read these four Verses This Ghost thou seest was in thy Fetters ty'd By Falshood and thy cruel Scorn he dy'd And to revenge his Wrongs is hither come To bear thee to thy everlasting home When Darbelle writ these Verses he counterfeited his Hand but whether in his haste or otherwise he had not so perfectly done it but Clitie in the reading saw some tracts of a Hand she had formerly known though she cou'd not precisely say whose it was she
read the Verses and imagin'd he shou'd surely have known the Hand This capricious Adventure caus'd in her a thousand Thoughts yet was she not able to conjecture whose it shou'd be she resolv'd to take more notice of the Actions of this Ghost whose Eyes were never off of hers she look'd upon his Stature and his Meen but for her life cou'd not guess who it was Having been a while in this musing condition she found a means to get nearer this Ghost which gave her so much Curiosity and whispering him Is it long since you died pray Mr. Ghost says she to him and may we not know in what Body you lost your life I am answer'd the Ghost in a most lamentable sad tone the Spirit of Amasis whom Darbelle kill'd in order to your Commands This Answer so surprizing and so unexpected that spoke of the unfortunate Darbelle and Amasis whose very Names awaken'd all at once such cruel things in Clitie's Soul and so astonish'd her that she cou'd not refrain from changing Colour and fetching a deep sigh she fell into a melancholy which held her all the rest of that Evening and the Night following What is it says she to her self that I have just now heard concerning Darbelle and Amasis But she had nothing to reply to the Ghost on this Subject for a long time yet having observ'd he kept his Eyes still fix'd on hers she entred into Conference a second time and said to him You have pronounc'd the Names of two the most false and perfidious Men the Eye of Day ere look'd upon and Heaven has been but just if it has thrown them into everlasting Torments as you seem to intimate You do well for your own Credit to say so answers the Ghost you who are the most ungrateful person in the whole World and the most unworthy to be so intirely belov'd as you ever was by the unfortunate Darbelle This Discourse yet more surpriz'd the Princess since she fear'd the Ghost spoke nothing but Truth touching the most important Adventures of her life yet she cou'd not refrain making him this Answer Ghost you are very knowing or at least you imagine your self so but I pray you tell me what is the reason you take upon you to meddle in my Concerns And wherefore do you take the parts of Darbelle and Amasis against me who were so opposite in all things during their Lives to one another Is it because that since their Deaths they are reconcil'd in the other World and have order'd you to come and tell me their Injuries in this The Ghost took his turn now to be surpriz'd hearing the Princess speak of the Death and Falshood of Darbelle to Clitie who had always been so well treated by him and who had always lov'd her so tenderly however he resolv'd still to disguise the matter and go on as he begun so that taking up the Discourse where the Princess left off I cou'd pardon you says he to her the hate you have to the Ghost of Amasis which you see before you and whom you your self have caus'd to be kill'd but for that of the unhappy Darbelle wherefore do you insult over it since he dy'd only for love of you Is it not sufficient that by an Ingratitude and Falshood that has no parallel you have violated the Faith you have given him in hearkning to a Prince with whom you fell in love and at last have married What cou'd you imagine ungrateful as you are but that the unfortunate Lover having once heard this News cou'd do but ease his Sorrows by his Death He need not have been so much concern'd as you report of him if he had been alive when I married answers the Princess his beautiful Wife wou'd have been Comfort enough to him for greater troubles than these As the Princess had finish'd these words there came a Company of Masquers of great Quality extraordinary well habited amongst which it was suppos'd the Prince Alcander was These Masquers plac'd themselves about the Princess and did not leave her during the rest of the Ball she her self silenc'd the Violins as soon as she cou'd conveniently to the end that all Parties might mix together the remainder of the Night The Princess in whose head the Ghost and his Discourse still run and who was exceeding impatient to unriddle all that he had told her not being able to comprehend the least thing of it did what she cou'd not to go out of her own Lodgings but it was not to be avoided for these new Masquers were People of such great Quality that she cou'd not deny them and was forc'd to go with them She had not the opportunity of speaking any more to the Ghost but in passing by him she said I desire you Mr. Ghost not to go back to the other World before you have visited us once more I will dance a Courant with you to morrow in this very place where I will have Musick on purpose All fell a laughing to hear her speak so to the Ghost but they turn'd it all to Raillery saying Truly she thought it but reasonable to have a little pity on the poor dead and to give them a little Diversion So the Ball broke up and every one withdrew Darbelle went out with the rest and having met with La Rock they went home together This Adventure furnish'd them with matter enough to discourse of but let them do what they cou'd they cou'd not apprehend any thing of the Princess's talk Wherefore says Darbelle to La Rock does she tell me of Death Marriage and Falshood Is it of me she spoke Is there not some other Darbelle who lov'd her Certainly it must be so and all she said last Night was of a second Darbelle not so much as dreaming on the first who has lov'd her so well for else why shou'd she says he go about to perswade me that I am dead married and false La Rock did all he cou'd to find out the meaning on 't but the more he endeavour'd the less was he satisfy'd so that they set up their Resolution to wait the Result till the next day at the time she appointed for their meeting again where they hop'd they shou'd know all for they both observ'd that the Princess was no less surpriz'd at the odness of the Adventure than themselves and that she was loath to part from him and that she had made that second appointment only to satisfie her Curiosity It is certain that she was so much confounded with what she heard that she was not her self She had heard that Darbelle dy'd for Love of her and that was enough to give her Heart Inquietudes On the other side the cou'd not suspect the Ghost that gave her this Account to be one of the ordinary Masquers he had told her things so secret and so true and what she believ'd no living person cou'd ever know that it added to her Trouble she was so surpriz'd at the same time
imagin'd the distance of the places wou'd hinder me from prying into these sort of Affairs but I am not so easily deceiv'd as you believe And for my part goes she on I cannot yet apprehend that he has repented him of the Misfortunes he has made me suffer by his desiring you to tell me that he always lov'd me Darbelle hearing the Princess say this was ready to die with a desire to discover himself and know the depth of all these Mysteries but he fear'd he shou'd spoil all in the Circumstances in which he stood with her he was willing to disabuse her first he took on him then the Discourse saying to her Madam these are all meer Inventions you have told me which you ought not to believe against the poor Darbelle I have told you already that I was with him all the time he liv'd in Tuscany and what I have told you of his Love to you is a most infallible Certainty As for a Wife alas Madam he never had any and I am sure that for the love of you he wou'd have refus'd the most beautiful and the greatest Queen in the World But Madam be ingenious and acknowledge that the Crime you lay to his Charge is but to excuse your self for what you have done contrary to your Faith and Promise which was never to marry any but himself Sir I find you know me not answers the Princess sharply if you believe what you say but let us talk no longer of him says she fetching a deep sigh from the very bottom of her Heart Darbelle is dead and I am married She cou'd not refrain shedding some Tears at these words and in the Rage and Shame that she conceiv'd she left Darbelle abruptly who was now alone ruminating on what the Princess had said to him which gave him greater Astonishment and Perplexity than what he had before he question'd whether the Princess was in earnest or no when she accus'd him of Marriage and for his life cou'd not guess the right meaning on 't All this while Love had got the ascendant of him and he cou'd now no longer counterfeit he beheld the Princess more beautiful than ever and her Discourse had disarm'd him of much of the Aversion he had conceiv'd against her he began to excuse her yet after all he was not the less unhappy since he had lost all hopes of ever injoying her knowing her to excel in Vertue and one who wou'd never exceed the bounds of Duty and Honour Having a while consider'd these things he addresses himself to her a second time saying Madam I have but one day longer to stay in this place and I have yet an hundred things to tell you ere I can discharge my self of the Commands the poor Darbelle gave me at his Death I humbly intreat you wou'd not refuse me one Meeting more where I may acquit my self and perform his Will. She told him he might come to her House the next where he shou'd have the liberty of discoursing to her alone I am much troubled Madam replies our Masquer that I cannot be so happy as to wait on you at your own Lodgings as you have commanded me therefore I humbly request you would permit me to pay my Duty to you in some other place for many Reasons which now I cannot tell you The Princess was surpriz'd at this Discourse nevertheless having thought of a convenient place I will says she to him grant what you desire meet me to morrow at the Theatre in the second Box where we shall have liberty to talk without being known I will not fail to be there attended only by one of my Women As soon as she had said this she mingled into the Company of several Ladies of her Acquaintaince not giving Darbelle any opportunity of speaking to her any more After they parted Darbelle return'd to his Lodging the most amorous impatient and most afflicted of men The next day he fail'd not to be at the Play-house above three hours ere any body else came there he thought it convenient to let La Rock speak to the Princess when she first came in as tho' he had been the same person whom she had been talking with the preceeding days He cou'd not appear there in a Disguise and therefore he cou'd not so well act his own part He instructed La Rock therefore in all that he had to say to her and order'd him as soon as he had thoroughly perswaded her of every thing he had a mind she shou'd know to make some pretence or other to leave her and that he himself wou'd supply his place and there lay his Heart open to her and the better to carry on their Design they dress'd themselves both so like that none cou'd distinguish between them Having thus order'd every thing he made La Rock sit in the place which the Princess had appointed retiring himself at a little distance that he might not be perceiv'd The Princess cou'd not but shew her Impatience by the haste she made to go to her Assignation where she believ'd she shou'd be inform'd of a thousand things which had given her so much trouble and of which she had so great a desire to be inform'd She came accompanied only with one Woman in a careless Undress with a Scarf that almost cover'd her all over As soon as she enter'd she saw a single man whom she judg'd to be the Party whom she sought but at the same time I know not what of Fear possess'd her Soul which set her a trembling all over nevertheless she advanced towards him and took her seat just before La Rock having first paid him the common Civility La Rock who knew her altho' she knew not him having a good Wit thank'd her for the Honour she had done him with a low bow and supposing it not amiss to begin their Conversation with some indifferent Discourse wherewith those sort of places easily furnish'd every body Madam says he I believe you will think the time long if you are not endued with a great deal of Patience before you hear the Musick or have any Diversion which never begins so early The Princess who apprehended she was mistaken and that this was not the man whom she expected was a little surpriz'd when she heard him talk thus imagining that if this had been the person whom she look'd for he wou'd have taken up the same Discourse they were on the day before she answer'd him nevertheless in the same manner he had spoke to her in civil and obliging words But La Rock perceiving the Princess to eye him well and sought to be inform'd of other things than what they were talking of began his Discourse after this manner For my own part Madam I have so much reason to hate the World and all its Pleasures not to come to this place But Madam continues he the Ghost which you saw at the Ball two days ago haunts me every where to give you an Account of
yet a second time O most cruel Woman satisfie your Malice in looking on his Blood that shall be added to what you have already spilt In saying these words he drew out his Sword to have pierc'd his own Heart but the Princess all in a fright threw her self about him not yet knowing who he was being in the same Dress with La Rock whose Face she had seen while he had discours'd with her till the Transports and the Words he utter'd made her take more notice of him who now she knew to be Darbelle himself She shriek'd out and stepping back to avoid him she fell down being obstructed by the Bench which was behind her By good fortune there was not any body come yet into the place where they were that might observe what pass'd The Princess being thus fallen down swooned with the Fright and Surprize which she had to see Darbelle before her Eyes who so long she had imagin'd dead oblig'd Darbelle to think of nothing but to help her but it was impossible so soon to bring her to her Senses and to recover her the sight of Darbelle alive had struck her to the Heart with mortal Wounds She continued in this Condition for more than half an Hour the Woman who she brought with her came to her and joyn'd her Endeavours to those of Darbelle and La Rock not knowing the Cause of her Lady's Disorder At last after some time the Princess open'd her Eyes and looking first round about her she fix'd them stedfastly upon Darbelle gazing on him to be inform'd if what she saw was Truth but having well consider'd him she let her Head fall negligently which she rested on her Hand Darbelle bid La Rock retire that so the Princess's Woman might do the like which was soon perform'd and La Rock went some distance from them with the Woman that came with Clitie who he entertain'd with Discourse Darbelle seeing himself alone with the Princess took up the Discourse and said to her Where are those happy minutes Madam How far have you banished from me which you said you wou'd employ upon all occasions to see and speak to me Alas What have I done since that time and what Crime have I been guilty of that you shou'd run the hazard of your life to shun my presence Speak ungrateful fair and tell me why you have so unworthily deserted me Reproach me now with those Perfidies with which these three days past you have made a pretence only to excuse your own Falshood Pray tell me to whom I am married as you wou'd perswade me and to whom have I ever offer'd a Heart that I have carefully tho' to no purpose reserv'd for you alone Darbelle pronounc'd these words with a tone in which Anger and Love had equal shares that the Princess was quite astonish'd But the greatest Emotion that the presence of Darbelle had rais'd in her heart turn'd all to Joy of that Joy which she had to see him yet alive who she so long believ'd to be dead nor cou'd hinder her self from giving him marks of it wherefore without studying any Answer to his Reproaches nor concealing those Sentiments which her Duty perhaps wou'd have made her dissemble at another time she said to him Ah Darbelle is it your self that I see and may I be assur'd 't is not some Phantome that represents it self to me Yes Madam answer'd Darbelle I am yet living but now I am ten thousand times more miserable than had I died since I am ten thousand times more amorous The End of the Second Part. CLITIE A NOVEL The third and last Part being an Addition to the two first Parts IT was some considerable time ere the Princess cou'd believe Darbelle was alive altho' she saw him before her Face she had form'd such strong Idea's of his Death that he himself cou'd scarcely make her sensible he liv'd They gaz'd upon each other for a while and the Emotions of their Souls were so violent and sudden that they hardly knew where they were or what they did But if Darbelle was amaz'd to hear her ask if still he liv'd the Princess was no less confus'd a thousand Thoughts were crouding to get entrance into her Heart and her Tears and Sighs increas'd the cruel Tempest and nothing but a total wreck cou'd be expected A second time she falls into a Swoon nor cou'd Darbelle with the assistance of La Rock and Celia Clitie's Woman with all their Care and best Endeavours call her life back to its fair Habitation at last it was concluded lest the press of People who were now coming in shou'd see her in this condition that they shou'd carry her unto her Coach and send her home with her Woman nor did Darbelle fail to be by her on foot meeting many of his Enemies who tho' they knew him not made him suspect they did even to the Princess's Lodgings where her Husband and several other Noblemen were coming forth to go wait upon the King to the Play-house La Rock having his mind more disingag'd than Darbelle told him the hazard he was in of being known and that this rash proceeding wou'd be a means to deliver him into the Hands of those who wou'd not fail to take his life besides he represented to him the Danger to which he expos'd the Princess shou'd he be found with her who in the estate in which she was cou'd no ways be capable at present of giving him any further satisfaction But Darbelle was deaf to all his Arguments nor wou'd he stir until he had seen the Princess once again who by this time what with the shogging of the Coach and Celia's care was a little recovered and looking about her saw the disconsolate Darbelle by her Coach side she rous'd her drooping Spirits and was about to speak at the same moment he prevented her saying Madam I find the sight of me is grievous to you and I cou'd wish my Destiny had been so kind to have let me had that Death you spoke of rather than let me live a life that 's burdensome to all that know me She interrupted him here and in a soft and mournful tone her Eyes distilling Tears on her fair lovely Cheeks and with looks so sad and languishing she said Darbelle expose not thus a Life which Heaven is pleas'd to save a Life more pretious far than all the Joys on Earth and if you love me still as I have cause enough to think preserve it till we have unravell'd this great Mystery I can no more at present but ere long I 'le send you farther orders what to do I see the Prince is going to the Play and shou'd he find us two together the Consequence I fear wou'd prove too fatal both to our Lives and Honours Darbelle was all Obedience and lest they shou'd be surpriz'd speaking together left her entring into her Apartment and hasten'd home to his No sooner was he got into his Chamber with La Rock but he
Languishments Love takes his place But O La Rock La Rock says he my dearest charming Clitie still is true she loves unfortunate as I am still and since she cannot come a pure and spotless Virgin to my Arms resolves to wash her guilt off with her Blood. Alas she was betray'd as well as I. Then stops again and having paus'd a while Lie still my Heart says he and hush thy Injuries a while asleep and use the utmost means you can to save the life of one more pretious than my Soul of one the Gods themselves wou'd mourn to part with and grieve a Loss can never be repaid She must not shall not die for me or if she does flying again into a raving Fit I 'le sacrifice the lives of all those wicked Monsters nay the Blood of all their cursed Race to appease her Injur'd Ghost In the mean time the Prince's Lacquey had given him a full Account of every thing Mariana being by who as soon as she heard the Name of La Rock knew the other must certainly be Darbelle under the false Name of Conrade The Lacquey was dismiss'd and the Prince and Mariana staid together above two hours consulting what to do knowing that without they cou'd find some speedy way to prevent it nothing cou'd hinder a Discovery of their Practice They thought on many Projects but fix'd on none but what they first design'd to wit Darbelle's Death That will not be enough says the cruel Mariana for whilst La Rock survives we are not safe they must both die as they have liv'd together The Prince was soon brought to consent to it and without more ado left Mariana and went to her Brother who as was said before was conceal'd in a private House that the Prince had order'd When he came to him says he Adraste have you well consider'd what I told you last And are your Resolutions firm to the Design As firm answers Adraste as my Love and Faith to you and were I sure the Deed wou'd brand me o're with Curses nay throw Anathama's on all my Race and in the end procure the Wheel I wou'd not boggle at it The Prince embrac'd him and commended his Friendship and Resolution and withal told him since none in the World but them two and his Sister knew of the deceit none but themselves shou'd be employ'd in making good what with so much Success they had begun Therefore presently disguishing themselves in Russians Habits and arming with sure and good Weapons the Night now coming on apace they went out of the House into the Street where Lysidor's Man had told him he had dog'd the Gentleman They had not waited long ere by a light that was brought to the door they perceiv'd two Men in Cloaks come forth The Prince made no doubt but they were the very same he look'd for but for more certainty he went up to one of them and softly touching him on the Shoulder Darbelle says he a word with you in private It hapned to be La Rock who he had taken for his Master however the faithful La Rock thought it not safe to inform him of his Mistake but throwing his Cloak aside says Who is that The Prince replies One from the Princess Clitie At which La Rock stepping a little nearer him to hear what he wou'd say The Princess says Lysidor commends her to you and has sent you this running at La Rock with his Sword which by good chance miss'd his Body and was so intangled in his Cloak that he had time to draw his own in his Defence ere the Prince cou'd disingage it Adraste follow'd the Prince's Example and set upon Darbelle who as soon as he had heard himself named had put himself into a posture to defend him The Combat was not long for the second Pass La Rock made he run the Prince quite through the Heart who immediately fell pronouncing these words I am justly rewarded for all my Treachery and so ended his Life But Darbelle after he had given Adraste several Wounds seeing a light appear at the other end of the Street together with La Rock without inquiring who or what they were had set upon them fled to avoid being apprehended they had both the good fortune not to be wounded and lodg'd themselves in another quarter of the City in a place as private as the former The Light we spoke of was a Magistrate of the City with several of his Officers were going to search a suspected House in that Bye-street for Goods that had been stoln who so soon as they came to the place where before they heard as they thought some clashing of Swords they found the Prince who at present they knew not dead and a little from him the false Adraste all wounded and bloody on the ground who they perceiv'd still had life in him he caused both the Bodies to be taken up and conveyed to a House hard by where they laid Adraste into Bed and sent for Chyrurgeons to dress his Wounds and if possible to recover him again that they might learn of him the meaning of that Adventure and who he was that was kill'd for the Disguise the Prince had on hindred them from knowing him The next Morning the Prince not having been at his Lodging all Night not being known ever before to stay out Enquiry was made to know what was become of him and about four a Clock in the Afternoon the Report of his Death was spread over the whole City but they kept it at present from the Princess who was bewailing the Misfortunes of Darbelle to Mariana who was come at that time to visit her Alas Mariana says she to her What can we think of this Affair Who has betray'd us What more than savage Beast cou'd do so barbarous an Act What you tell me says Mariana is to me all Mystery and it wou'd require some Oracle to solve the AEnigma however Madam you can ne're be blam'd and all that you have done was what the most wise and vertuous Lady living might justifie therefore afflict your self no more about it but leave it to the Heavens and Darbelle who you say is alive and return'd a thing but that you say it I cou'd scarce believe to find out the Treachery Come dry those Eyes and think of this no more your Duty now does bind you wholly to your Lord in whom you 'l find those Joys and Comforts will allay your Sorrows You are young and in your Beauty's Prime and shou'd not wear so black a Cloud of Woes you 'l give him cause it may be to suspect your Love and think some other Object has usurp'd your Heart I wou'd not for a thousand Worlds that he shou'd see you thus O Mariana replies Clitie can you ere think I lov'd and lov'd so well and entertain one mite of Joy while I have ruin'd the most constant tender and most deserving man alive alive said I alas wou'd he had dy'd when false Report
he interrupting her my life is too too short to tell you what I wou'd I feel it mouldring every minute Darbelle is yet true the deceas'd unhappy Prince to gain your Love did bribe me and my Sister Mariana to betray you there he stopt ' Speak on Adraste saies the Princess for I feel something at my Heart which bids me hear you out speak and I 'le lie as still as Death it self In short Adraste discover'd to her the whole Cheat after the same manner as you have heard it in the foregoing Parts he told her how the Prince and Mariana kept back all hers and Darbelle's Letters and that the Picture he made her believe was Darbelle's Wife was nothing but a Counterfeit which was made in Paris that he himself who she had sent had never been in Florence but that all the time of his pretended Journey he lay conceal'd in Prince Lysidor's Apartment He told her that Mariana had discover'd all her Adventures with Darbelle since his return from Florence to the Prince and the Design the Prince and himself had to take his life which had brought them into the estate in which they were That it was none of Darbelle that slew the Prince but his Servant and that he himself was the man with whom Darbelle fought All this he swore to her was true as he expected mercy from the Gods who now had sent him Summons to depart this life Mariana having been at her Brother's Lodgings and hearing that he desir'd them to carry him to the Princess's Apartments in order to discover something of Importance to Clitie found now all her Designs discovered and all that she had plotted utterly frustrated especially this last inhumane horrid one she had in hand which was to have poison'd her Brother who she found had at the point of Death remorse and in his repenting fit might betray her she resolv'd to have sav'd him the trouble of penitance by laying him asleep with a Cordial she had with her but missing of him she made all the haste she cou'd after him hoping she might yet prevent the Discovery or if not to make a larger No sooner did the Princess see her but she cry'd out O! for Heaven sake help and take that Monster from my sight she is the cursed Cause of all my Misery and the sad Worker of the Prince's Death Several at this Out-cry stepp'd in and laid hands on Mariana who seeing the Princess in that sad Condition and her Brother just fall'n dead at her Feet her self now in the hands of Justice desir'd leave only to speak one word before they forc'd her away which with the Princess's permission was granted her I doubt not Madam says she applying her Speech to the Princess but my Brother has discover'd to you all my Treachery I mean all that he knew that the Prince deserv'd the Death he found and that Darbelle is yet spotless from any Ingratitude or Falshood but he cou'd not tell you it was my self that writ the last Letter to you as from Darbelle and counterfeited his Hand which had you nicely mark'd you might have found before Here I protest to you I know not where he is nor have I seen him since he went to Florence and what I told you of his coming to me was all forg'd tho' I suppose he is not far from these parts All I have now to do is to crave your pardon which I can never deserve and Heaven and Justice will not grant Then taking the Bottle she had prepar'd for her Brother she drank the Poison off and bid them bear her to her Bed for she told them she had not half an hour to live They took her thence but ere she cou'd reach her own house what with the Grief and the fatal Cordial she had taken she expir'd These tragical Actions cou'd not be without much Grief and Trouble to all who were either Friends or Relations to any of them they gave much matter of Discourse but more of wonder to those who were present and heard Darbelle nam'd Those who knew nothing of the forementioned Adventures thought it only some raving Fit which the extremity of Grief for the Prince and her Brother who lay dead before her had caus'd took but little notice of it so that in few days there was neither talk nor thought of it among them but all was still as if it ne'er had been Clitie's Father was not offended at this Discovery which had brought his Daughter to her Speech again and seeing her now look with a more chearful Aire and follow all her Doctors Prescriptions was overjoy'd with the hopes that in a few days she might do well again So strangly fond was this Old Man of her that all the time of her Sickness hitherto he had not left her Chamber but being comforted with the Endeavours Clitie made and the promises the Doctors gave for her recovery he grew weary and tir'd with long Watching and Sorrow went that night to his Bed and after his first Sleep which we'll suppose was sound enough he awak'd with a certain heaviness at his Heart unlike to any he had felt before but he continued not long ere soft slumbers clos'd his Eyes again and as he told the King and others afterward he had this Dream Methought says he I was walking in the Garden of the Artulieres and from thence passing to the Orange-walks I met a man all pale and bloody who coming up to me ask'd if I knew him I look'd now a little more heedfully on him and told him if I remembred right he was the unfortunate Amasis who the unhappy Darbelle had slain for which cause he had quit his own native Soil and fled to Tuscany where he has laid his Bones I am says the Vision to me the same Amasis you speak of unfortunate as you have justly term'd me in that I was the occasion of all that unhappy Man's and your Daughter's Misfortunes and I am come to tell you that he is wrong'd My Friends have been too severe in his Prosecution 't is true he sent me to my Grave but 't is as true he did it nobly and like a Gentleman having Reason and Provocation enough for what he did My vain Ostentation and maintaining Injuries I had committed urg'd me to do those things which caus'd my Fall and will not let me rest till I have clear'd him of my Death nor can my Ghost have quiet until he be again happily establish'd in the King's Favour and your vertuous Daughter's Love which none deserves but he He ne'er was married as is reported and is still alive he has left his Solitude in Tuscany and is return'd again to Paris where he laments his sad Misfortunes use therefore all possible means you can to comfort him and ease my weary Spirit In finishing these words the good old Man awak'd nor cou'd he sleep again that Night a thousand Thoughts assaulted him at once nor knew he what result to
if not it was but death at last which wou'd only shorten his Misseries and give him a Pass port to the other World but some few days the sooner La Rock by no Arguments he cou'd use cou'd alter his mind however he was resolv'd to run all Dangers with him and though Death it self should happen to share with him in this Adventure The Night began to grow old when Darbelle and La Rock enter'd the Room where they were dancing but a more glorious shew of Jewels and Beauty which far out-shin'd them was no where in the World to equal what was there but above all the Princess was the Load-stone which attracted the Eyes of all the Spectators she had on a Gown so rich with Imbroidery and so cover'd with Gemms that one wou'd have thought wou'd have purchas'd a whole Province she was dancing a Minua with the King which hinder'd her from taking notice when Darbelle enter'd and it made much to his purpose for at sight of her he was strook with a sudden Fear which for the present depriv'd him of all his Senses and he stood just in the Door not able to go forward which most of those at the Ball imputed to his unwillingness to enter till the King had made an end of his Dance by which time our Lover was ten times more amorous than ever and all those cruel Thoughts he had before of Clitie quite disappear'd and Love All-powerful Love again had got possession of his Heart he gets up to La Rock and speaking to him in a low voice La Rock says he if I fall I shall fall gloriously and never man receiv'd his Doom in so illustrious an Assembly let us go on and dare the worst our Fate can do for having seen her if she love me not I have no further use for life The Princess being seated had time now to look about her but O Heavens no sooner did she see our amorous Shepherd but her Colour went and came and in spite of all the Constraint she laid upon her self to hide her Surprize she cou'd not hinder her self from falling into a Swoon all run to her amongst the rest Darbelle was not idle he had her by one of her Hands while others run for Water the good old Celse was not least concern'd he got her in his Arms and bath'd her with his Tears but after a while she began to recover and Celse asking her what was the matter she whisper'd in his ear Darbelle the unfortunate Darbelle was in the Room He seem'd to take no notice of what she said but having placed her again in her Seat and left her to the care of the Ladies who were about her he went to the King and talk'd in private with him for some time after which there was a Command given that all the Doors shou'd be shut and none stir in or out Darbelle till this time had Eyes and Thoughts employed on the Princess and observ'd not Celse's talking with the King but when he heard this Command that none shou'd go in or out he was not a little surpriz'd who altho' he did not in the least suspect that he was the occasion of it yet was far more astonish'd when the Princess was pretty well recover'd he heard the King give a second Command that all who were masqued should pull off their Vizors and discover who they were Now was the time our masking Lover saw himself the Mark at which all was levell'd he began to repent his Curiosity and within himself to muster up all those Reproaches and Revilings he had had against Clitie But in short the King's Commands must be obey'd and all unmasqu'd but Darbelle who was unwilling to discover himself which drew the Eyes both of the King and all the Company upon him who admir'd who that shou'd be who was repugnant to the King's Orders when Celse himself comes up to him and takes off his Masque crying out in a loud Voice O Heavens it is Darbelle It is not to be conceiv'd the several Opinions that were in this Noble Assembly but above all the poor Princess who did not dare to speak and her Heart was almost rent in sunder at this last unfortunate Disaster she doubted not but he was now become a Prey to the King's Anger and inveterate Malice of his Enemies but she was more surpriz'd when the King coming to her took her by the Hand saying Come hither Lady do you know this Man Then stepping to Darbelle he in an angry tone ask'd him how he dar'd appear before a King so much incens'd To which Darbelle falling upon his Knees and humbly crav'd his pardon answer'd That that Love which made him first incur his Majesties Displeasure had since so blinded him that he was incapable of doing any thing but what tended to his Love. The King seeing our two Lovers in so great a Consternation and resolving no longer to amuse them commanded Darbelle to arise and gave him his gracious Pardon for all that he had done and taking him by the Hand as old Celse did the Princess they brought them both into the middle of the Room and joyn'd the Hands of two whose Hearts were long before united He told Darbelle he was oblig'd to Celse who had procur'd his Pardon and contriv'd this Device to make their Happiness surprize them when they least thought of it The END A Catalogue of some Plays Printed for R. Bently and S. Magnes 1. BEaumont and Fletchers Plays in all 51. in large Fol. 2. Mr. Shakespear's Plays in one large Fol. Volume containing 43 Plays 3. Tartuff or the French Puritan 4. Forc'd Marriage or the Jealous Bridegroom 5. English Monsieur 6. All mistaken or the mad Couple 7. Generous Enemies or the ridiculous Lovers 8. The Plain-Dealer 9. Sertorius a Tragedy 10. Nero a Tragedy 11. Sophonisba or Hannibal's Overthrow 12. Gloriana or the Court of Augustus Caesar. 13. Alexander the Great 14. Mythridates King of Pontus 15. Oedipus King of Thebes 16. Caesar Borgia 17. Theodosius or the Force of Love. 18. Madam Fickle or the Witty false One. 19. The Fond Husband or the Plotting 20. Esquire Old-Sap or the Night-Adventures 21. Fool turn'd Critick 22. Vertuous Wife or Good Luck at last 23. The Fatal Wager 24. Andromache 25. Countrey Wit. 26. Calisto or the Chast Nymph 27. Destruction of Jerusalem in two Parts 28. Ambitious Statesman or the Loyal Favourite 29. Misery of Civil War. 30. The Murder of the Duke of Gloucester 31. Thyestes a Tragedy 32. Hamlet Pr. of Denmark a Tragedy 33. The Orphan or the Unhappy Marriage 34. The Souldiers Fortune 35. Tamerlain the Great 36. Mr. Limberham or the Kind Keeper 37. Mistaken Husband 38. Notes on the Emperor of Morocco by the Wits 39. Essex and Elizabeth or the Unhappy Favourite 40. Vertue betray'd or Anna Bullen 41. King Lear. 42. Abdellazor or the Moor's Revenge 43. Town-Fop or Sir Tim. Tawdry 44. Rare-en-tout a French Comedy 45. Moor of Venice 46. Countrey Wife 47. City Politicks 48. Duke of Guise 49. Rehearsal 50. King and no King. 51. Philaster or Love lies a Bleeding 52. Grateful Servant 53. Strange Discovery 54. Atheist or the Second Part of the Souldiers Fortune 55. Wit without Money 56. Little Thief 57. Valiant Scot. 58. Constantine 59. Valentinian 60. Amorous Prince 61. Dutch Lovers 62. Woman Bully 63. Reformation 64. Hero and Leander 65. Love Tricks 66. Julius Caesar. 67. Fatal Jealousie 68. Monsieur Ragou 69. Island Queen or Mary Queen of Scotland 70. Empress of Morrocco 71. Common-wealth of Women 72. The Noble Stranger 73. Duke of Millan 74. The Knave in Grain 75. Amends for Ladies 76. Mammamouchi 77. The Emperor of the East 78. The Wedding 79. St. Patrick for Ireland 80. Albumazor 81. The Tragedy of Albertus 82. Royal King. 83. Humerous Courtier 84. The Hollander 85. Merchant of Venice 86. False Count. 87. Rover Second Part. 88. Counterfeits 89. Troylus and Cressida 90. Spanish Fryer 91. Lucius Junius Brutus 92. Brutus of Alba. 93. Caius Marius 94. Siege of Memphis 95. Byron's Conspiracy 1. Part. 96. Byron's Conspiracy 2d Part. 97. Loyal Brother 98. Disappointment 99. Mackbeth 100. Rollo Duke of Normandy 101. The Love sick King. 102. Maids Tragedy